The International Coaching Federation (ICF) provides the following definition of coaching:

Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

Let me be more specific about what I do. As a transformation coach, I work with individuals, couples and groups. I help my clients get from Point A to Point B. Point A is the client’s current reality and Point B is where the client wants to be. I have particular skill in working with individuals under high or extreme levels of stress. Whatever the age, gender, or background, it is pure joy for me to work with those as they discover authenticity and serenity.

I am a Mindful and Somatic-based Coach. Um, what is that?

This means that I am holistic in my approach. I believe you, in this present moment, have wisdom within you. Mindfulness means that I will engage our compassionate awareness of this present moment and ask you to become familiar about how your body and nervous system responds to your desires, fears, conflicts, and deep wounds. It also means that I may recommend physical exercise, techniques, and lifestyle changes to improve your current circumstances.

So, are you the same as a therapist?

No. I have worked both as a therapist and a coach. A therapist typically engages in archeological digs and belongs to a licensed profession. The therapist may go backwards to uncover root issues while the transformational coach will keep the focus on the present-day circumstances and what is necessary to move forward.

Coach, Therapist, and Author, Lynn Grodzki describes the difference between coaching and therapy in the following way:

“Imagine you are learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. A therapist would stand off to the side, observe your attempt to stay upright, be understanding and compassionate when you fall, make wise interpretations about why you have fallen, ask some difficult and insightful questions, and perhaps direct you how to get back on and do better, with your new insight. A therapist would want you to develop your own prowess about riding the bike over time, for you to notice how you keep getting your feet crossed, or turn the wheel wrong, and to understand what your history taught you to make you try to ride that way.

A coach would climb on the seat right behind you and ask, “Where do you want to go today?”

I love Grodzki’s explanation. Most stories do not surprise me or shock me. However, I am not interested in seeing anyone remain in them. Therefore, I am trauma-informed and evidenced-based in my approach. I help my clients move to safe ground, develop improved relational practices, and arrange their lives in ways that support a healthier existence.

We move forward together; “Where do you want to go today?”

Lee Michael Wellness (LM Wellness) stands in solidarity with our Black, Latino and Indigenous communities as we continue to learn about privilege, micro-aggressions, and systemic problems. LM Wellness is also LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent friendly.