Talk about not knowing where life is going to take you … I recently became a Gestalt-certified coach. Don’t worry, though, I’m not abandoning my therapy practice. I’m adding to it.

I was inspired to become a coach after having my own transformational experience working with an executive coach on Martha’s Vineyard several years ago. One of my closest friends recommended coaching. At the time, I was a year out of my divorce and had started to think about how and when to leave a job I loved but no longer found satisfying.

This particular coaching model was designed to happen in one 9-hour day, but there were hours of pre-work to get me thinking before I flew out to spend the day with him. That coaching day started my journey, which ultimately led to the courage to open my own practice and to start writing.

I also decided to become a coach.

Coaching is different from therapy in many ways, but for me, there is one key similarity: it gives me another way to work with someone to reach their potential, however they define it. In my therapy practice, our work is about learning how to live with and respond to your thoughts differently. In my coaching services, it’s determining where you want to go, what’s holding you back, and how you can move toward what you value.

Not everyone who wants help needs a therapist.

I’ve been in several situations over the past couple of years where coaching was just what I needed to get out of my own way. As a therapist and coach, I’m expertly positioned to know when someone needs therapy. For people who want someone who can help them define their goals and then take the actions to achieve them, improve their relationship skills, or excel in a new career opportunity, coaching may be just what the therapist ordered (ha!)

I’m excited to continue my coaching journey and to bring light to this area of expertise. Because together we can do much more than we can often do alone. To learn more about coaching and all it has to offer, please read more.