about

frequently asked questions

In a nutshell, what do you do?

I help people who are on the brink of burnout to increase their sense of happiness and well-being. Oftentimes they have a goal of owning their own business, or making their side-gig their primary source of income. Overall, my clients are motivated individuals who may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed and are ready to create a life they love. I teach them how to gain inner peace by helping them reach their goals, reduce stress and fully live their life's purpose so that they can share their unique gifts with the world.

What is your background?

My background includes various roles in the healthcare / mental health field for about 15 years. Positions included program coordination, depression research, community mental health education, and administration.

Highlights from my educational background include bachelor's degrees in psychology and Spanish, as well as a master's degree in public health (MPH) with an emphasis on prevention and mental health. I am also a graduate of a certified coach program and have since continued to receive additional training from leading (and often internationally known) experts. I am a life-long learner, which ultimately benefits my clients!  Please check out “my story" and “credentials” for more details about me and my background.

Why did you become a coach?

When I worked in mental health, I would notice that there were often people who didn't exactly need mental health treatment such as a prescription for medication, and didn't quite have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety; they sometimes needed to reflect on their lives, determine the root cause of unhappiness, and consciously making some changes. About that time, I had the opportunity to attend some lectures on human "flourishing" and the study of happiness and well-being. (I was hooked!) While I still feel strongly about the important of mental health, I decided to switch my focus to helping people move forward and grow into the person they were meant to be. Plus, after overcoming so many challenges and obstacles myself, I knew that I wanted to help people move forward, become unstuck, fulfill their dreams and live life with purpose. Coaching feels authentic to who I am and what I believe in. After struggling throughout many different phases of my life, I feel that I have found the tools to fully live with passion and purpose, and therefore would like to help others do the same. I love to help people take steps towards a life they love. (Who doesn't want to be happier?)

What is coaching?

Coaches help people to bridge the gap between what currently exists in one's life and where one would like to be. They help clarify what someone truly wants in order to support their clients in achieving their goals. Many clients experience great shifts during sessions. Coaches also can serve as an excellent accountability partner.

The coaching field has been covered in sources such as the New York Times, the LA Times, and the Boston Globe (and of course in the monthly O Magazine). It is also supported by major universities.

"Over the past 25 years coaching has emerged as a competency dedicated to helping people change, develop, and meet personal and professional goals, while building self-efficacy, resilience, and the capacity for further development." - Harvard Medical School

Who are your clients?

An ideal client is motivated, open-minded and ready to take steps to pursue his or her dreams. I enjoy working with both men and women. While I can work with all adult ages, the majority of my clients have been ages ~27-40. I have worked with a lot of creatives, socially conscious / heart-centered entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and people in service professions who want to dedicate their career to something that is not the corporate 9-5 type of job. I have also worked with people who are overwhelmed and feel they do not have balance or joy in their lives due to their work schedules. I support my clients with a variety of situations that usually include both professional and personal goals. Sometimes clients would like to gain clarity on what their passion and purpose is in life, and sometimes they already know and need an extra nudge to get unstuck, step through fears and move towards their vision and dreams. I also have a history of working with persons with chronic illness, those who may have a history of depression or anxiety, and those who want to reduce stress and attain life balance. In general, my clients are open-minded, willing to change their mindset, and ready to take responsibility for creating their ideal lives.

What if we're not a good fit?

That's the beauty of the introductory call! While my coaching skills are applicable to many people, if we find that we are not a good fit, I'm happy to refer to another professional who may be. If it is determined that we're not a fit after we start working together, the relationship can be terminated at any time.

What is the different between psychotherapy and coaching?

Although both therapy and coaching have unique benefits, there are differences between the two modalities. Traditional coaching is solution-oriented and focuses on moving forward to live one's best life possible without focusing as much on the "whys" or issues from the past. While some healing does occur in coaching as part of the transformation process, it's almost like a by-product rather than the primary focus itself. It's about where you are and where you want to go. In a coaching relationship, there is an underlying assumption that the client is willing, motivated and capable of reaching their goals. Coaches do not treat clinical disorders. Coaching clients are generally seen as whole, creative and resourceful.

Not sure if you need a therapist instead? With over a decade in the mental health field and total of about 15 years in healthcare, I am trained to know the distinction and can provide referral resources if it is deemed that you may benefit from a clinician.

What are some of the benefits and results that clients have seen? 

While working with me, clients have:

• gained courage to take a risk to leave a job and to let go of anything that no longer serves them

• attained greater sense of life balance and began to spend more time with family and friends

• uncovered innate strengths and personal values and utilized them to create their ideal lives

• significantly reduced stress and overwhelm, while focusing on self-care (One client even stopped her nail-biting habit.)

• bravely stepped out of comfort zones and took on challenges to stretch themselves in order to GROW personally & professionally

• obtained clarity and reconnected with their passions and purpose

• laughed more often had a general sense of feeling “lighter”

• And much more!

How are you different from other coaches?

In addition to having overcome my own obstacles, I have a deep understanding of mental health and bring that expertise to my coaching. Additionally, I am understanding and nonjudgmental. This creates an open, comfortable space for my clients. Furthermore, I believe in looking at the WHOLE person when helping someone live their best life. 

I have received training from reputable sources on a wide variety of topics such as coaching, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral techniques, stress reduction, the art & science of wellness, mind-body connections, universal spiritual principles and business and mindset for entrepreneurs. My training also includes several evidence-based programs and techniques that have been proven to work.

What is expected of me?

Coaching works best with individuals who are ready to make positive changes in their lives (and who have a desire to live their "best life" possible). This requires motivation as well as commitment. Prior to each session, it is expected to have an idea of what you'd like to focus on during the session (and what you'd like to takeaway at the end of the session).

How quickly can I expect results?

A lot of this depends on you! That is why it is important for you to do your part and stay committed in between sessions. However, know that I am here to help and support you. I also know that everyone is different and on their own unique paths. I will be sure to meet you where you are.

What is the first step to get started with you?

Please complete the “Contact Form” to request a "get acquainted" phone call, which is at no-charge and no obligation. (By the way, successful people consistently move forward towards their goals faster as a result of this taking action! :)

What's the best way to sample your work?

A way to get to know me is by subscribing to the my complementary email newsletter, which can be found on the home page under “Sign up for a free mini guide”. "Flourish" provides you with tips, tools and powerful techniques that are often applied in my coaching programs. It is for anyone who wants to make a commitment to live well on a consistent basis. To see a sample of topics I write about, visit my blog, I also invite you to join my community on Facebook!

If I have questions, may I contact you?

Of course! If you have a couple of questions, simply complete the “Contact Form” or schedule a call with me. I'll be happy to walk you through the different options so we can determine what is best for you.

I can't wait to see you succeed and would be honored to be the one to help you get you started on your path to being the best you!