Transition Coaching

woman in the mountains looking in the distance with her hair blowing in the wind.

Clients seek out a life transition coach when something confusing, unexpected, or disorienting is happening in their lives. This often occurs when roles change: the adult child starts taking care of their parent(s); the college graduate gets her first real job; or someone who adores his work is forced, or prepares, to retire.

And there are many other instances when clients find themselves in a new phase of life and feel disoriented, sense they need something different, or feel somehow thwarted in their development. They try to puzzle things out, and after going it alone without great success, they often decide to pluck up their courage and invite in outside support.

Talking to friends is essential, but working with me is different. Transition coaching offers companionship and guidance into unfamiliar realms - both inner and outer.

As your coach, I’ll invite you to slow down, focus, and look at what is and isn’t working for you. I’ll encourage you to reflect on your experiences, see the bigger picture of your life, explore what purpose means to you now, and help you listen for your deep knowing. I’ll offer new ways of thinking, responding, relating, and being. In time, you’ll notice increased clarity and movement in areas where you had been stuck. It’s not only a relief; it’s truly liberating and uplifting.

  • Coaching starts with the development of a trusting and honest partnership between you and me. Your readiness to increase self-awareness and to view your world from different perspectives energizes the work. Our connection plus your openness, focus, and will enable you to explore, take appropriate risks, and grow.

    Here’s how we’ll collaborate:

    1. Assess Your Current Life - We’ll start by examining your present circumstances. What aspects of your life feel fulfilling? What challenges are you facing? What seems to be missing? This honest reflection lays the foundation for our work.

    2. Gain Clarity on Your Purpose - It’s important to start by clarifying your purpose. Why do you want the change you’re seeking? This understanding will guide our sessions and help us stay focused on what truly matters to you.

    3. Uncover Aspirations - We’ll delve into your vision and your deeper hopes. Can you actually imagine what it is you truly want and need? I’ll help you go beyond thinking and feeling, and use your imagination, intuition, and even your body to uncover your hopes and aspirations.

    4. Identify Blocks - We’ll explore obstacles that may be hindering your expression and growth. These can be thought patterns, fears, or external circumstances that keep you from moving forward. Sometimes just uncovering unseen obstacles can loosen things up and encourage movement.

    5. Practice Between Sessions - Some clients leave a coaching session naturally carrying insights from our work into their lives and relationships. Others enjoy having specific tasks or practices to work on between sessions. Whichever you prefer, my job is to support your learning and your connection to your own vitality so you can bring more of yourself into the world.

    No one achieves anything completely on their own. Contact me to learn more.

Coaching forAdult Children of Aging Parents

One focus area of mine is coaching adult children. It is so very common for adults to be living their lives, working, managing daily issues, fitting in calls or visits with their family when suddenly - or gradually - they realize that their parents’ needs have increased. While many people love and want to help their folks, many others have had a complicated relationship with them over the years. Either way, it becomes apparent that the child’s role has changed and they are now needed in a new way. This can really feel overwhelming and most of us aren’t prepared.

What do we know about geriatric issues? What about our jobs? How are we to take on the additional responsibilities - especially if we live far away or have our own children, siblings, or a partner to care for?

What if we don’t have siblings who can - or will - help us? What if we have siblings who make things harder, not easier?

What if, what if, what if?

I have professional experience and I can help.

For several years, I worked for a company that supported seniors and their adult children through the moving process. I worked with dozens of families and witnessed a wide range of situations. I learned about relationships, family dynamics, and communication; about elders’ needs for autonomy; and adult children’s desire for control (and vice versa!). I learned about retirement and assisted living communities, rehab, and hospice.

I have years of personal experience, as well.

I’ve spent the last decade shepherding my own parents into old age. My sisters and I supported our father as his health declined and then as he transitioned into his next journey. And we’ve been much more involved with our mother since our father died. My mom has macular degeneration, so helping her live with eyesight that worsens every day has been an ongoing challenge. As the one who lives closest, I’ve been the one - on a daily basis - problem-solving, taking her to appointments, diving into her finances, and finding someone to help her (and me!) several hours/week.

Having support really helps.

For a few years, I was part of a care giver’s group that met twice a month and I tell you, that was invaluable. I now facilitate groups like it and I highly recommend you join. (Contact me to learn more about my groups.)

I am not a consultant and I won’t advise you about what to do about your aging parents. But I will certainly understand your predicament and I will offer some guidance and acknowledge the importance of whatever you are able to do. I’ll accompany you through the emotional ups and downs, and help you see the experience as one that can result in your own growth - and possibly even improved relationships with your family and a more balanced daily existence.

Please contact me to learn more about one-on-one or group coaching for adult children with aging parents.

Listen to my podcast for/about Adult Children on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music.

Click for more information about Project Coaching.