How did you move into the coaching field? What was the stimulus?
After working as a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years with individuals, couples and families I am shifting my focus to positive psychology, coaching and writing. One factor that influenced this transition is the recent focus on mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful self-compassion in the field of therapy. Another is all that we’ve come to know about the neuroplasticity of the brain, its ability to profoundly change and heal. I have had the privilege of participating in workshops and trainings with Daniel Siegel, Trudy Goodman, Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Thich Nhat Han and others in the field. I have also had the pleasure of being a coaching client and the benefits have been tremendous. Coaching addresses very effectively obstacles in the way of the attainment of goals.
What excites you about coaching? How did you move into the coaching field? What was the stimulus?
I am passionate about the cultivation and enhancement of personal well-being, mindful self-compassion, emotional and social intelligence, emotion regulation and full creative expression. What excites me about coaching is the hopefulness and optimism inherent in it. People come to coaching very motivated to make things better in their lives.
What is your particular style of coaching?
I work collaboratively with clients. I am happy to share what I know when appropriate but look to the client for the goals and objectives, values and strengths and action steps which will determine the course of the coaching engagement. I believe in the value of appreciative inquiry, powerful questioning and the reflected best self approach.
Who do you most enjoy working with?
I help people, midlife and beyond, add new meaning and well-being to their lives. I help people overcome obstacles to their happiness and to design small changes towards creating their most satisfying and fulfilling lives. I help people use their strengths towards pursuing their deepest aspirations.
What is the value that you find coaching brings people?
I find that coaching generally fills clients with optimism and gratitude and with greater life satisfaction.
What is your philosophy about coaching?
I believe that coaching works best when the clients’ deepest values and greatest strengths are put into service towards reaching new goals, towards adding meaning and well-being to their lives.
What is next for you and coaching?
I am planning to create some podcasts and interviews addressing aspects of well-being, emotional and social intelligence and emotion regulation. I also plan to write a book on meaning and well-being.