FAQ

Life coaching and therapy both aim to support personal growth, but they differ in focus and approach. Therapy is designed to help individuals address emotional challenges, heal from past trauma, and manage mental health issues. It often delves into the past to uncover patterns and root causes. Life coaching, on the other hand, focuses on the present and future, helping clients set and achieve specific goals, improve performance, and create actionable plans for personal or professional growth. While therapy is rooted in psychological healing, life coaching emphasizes motivation, accountability, and forward momentum. 

My coaching philosophy is based on the belief that every individual has the power to achieve their goals and create the life they desire in a healthy body. I work with clients to identify their strengths and values, and help them create a plan of action to achieve their desired outcomes. 

I work with clients from all walks of life who are committed to personal growth and achieving their goals. Some of my clients are seeking career advancement, while others are looking to improve their relationships, health, deepen their faith and/or find greater fulfillment in life.

What sets me apart is a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and an integrative approach to healing. With 25 years in the criminal justice field, including work with federal and state courts, and specializing in substance abuse and mental health, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding personal transformation and behavioral change. My academic background in Criminology and Sociology, along with my pursuit of a Master’s in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, complements my certifications as a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP), and Licensed Massage Therapist trained in trauma-informed techniques.

What truly differentiates me is my ability to bridge the gap between evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and NLP coaching with holistic methods that honor the mind-body connection. With over 13 years of running my coaching and wellness practice, and 8 years of experience in alternative medicine, I understand that true healing goes beyond setting goals. It requires uncovering and addressing the deep-seated beliefs and patterns that hold us back. My compassionate, non-judgmental approach ensures that every session is tailored to empower clients to achieve lasting peace, freedom, and well-being.

Somatic Release Body Therapy is a holistic approach focusing on the mind-body connection to improve emotional, mental, and physical health. It involves various techniques and practices aimed at releasing tension and stress held in the body, which can result from past experiences, traumas, or emotional blockages. 

Through body-centered methods such as body awareness, movement, breathwork, and light touch, Somatic Release Body Therapy empowers individuals to become more attuned to their body sensations, emotions, and patterns of tension. By actively tuning into and releasing these tensions, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional balance.

As part of your bodywork session, we offer abdominal massage therapy, a gentle, non-invasive treatment. Emotions such as stress, anger, resentment, and fear are often stored in the body, contributing to discomfort and illness. The gut, often referred to as the "second brain," plays a crucial role in overall health, producing 95% of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that helps transmit messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. Serotonin is vital for many functions, including digestion, sexual health, bone health, cognition, mood regulation, memory, learning, and sleep. 

Abdominal massage offers several potential benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Improves Digestion: Abdominal massage can stimulate the digestive organs, helping to improve the movement of food through the digestive tract and reducing issues like bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
2. Relieves Stress and Tension: Massaging the abdomen can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" part), helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
3. Enhances Blood Circulation: By stimulating blood flow to the abdominal area, the massage helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues, supporting overall health.
4. Boosts Lymphatic Drainage: The gentle pressure applied during an abdominal massage can help move lymph fluid through the body, promoting detoxification and immune function.
5. Relieves Menstrual Pain: For some individuals, abdominal massage can help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles and improving circulation.
6. Supports Gut Health: Regular abdominal massage may assist in balancing the gut microbiome, helping to prevent bloating and discomfort often caused by imbalances.
7. Promotes Relaxation of the Diaphragm: A relaxed diaphragm improves deep breathing and may help reduce anxiety and tension.
8. Improves Posture: By relieving tension in the abdominal and lower back muscles, abdominal massage can aid in promoting better posture and reducing discomfort from poor alignment.
9. Relieves Constipation: Gentle massage techniques can stimulate bowel movements and reduce discomfort related to constipation.
10. Improves Sleep: Relaxation of the abdomen can lead to overall body relaxation, which may help with sleep quality.