We’ve been talking about healing as an important component of my unique coaching process, and you may be wondering, “How do I know if I need healing?” The simple answer is that everyone needs it!
The process of healing is about uncovering and correcting areas of stress that created the imbalances you’re dealing with right now. Those imbalances can also be thought of as “symptoms,” just like you’d identify symptoms of a physical imbalance. Symptoms can be limiting and painful. They can distract you from functioning at your highest potential. When I meet a new client, I want to know what the symptoms are. Overwhelm, disorganization, irritability, fatigue, feeling stuck? Every aspect of a person’s life that doesn’t “feel right” is a symptom.
If you’ve experienced counseling or traditional coaching, you may have spent a lot of time figuring out “why” you’re having a symptom. You may have gotten really good at telling the story of the root cause of your symptom. My style is different. I don’t go looking for the root cause of the symptom—I address the symptom directly, knowing that the root cause will reveal itself. When it does, I guide you through the healing process. Sometimes the root cause of a symptom is different than you’ve assumed—and going deep into the healing process is the process of discovering your personal truth. It might not be the story you thought it was!
A good example of this is “Cyndi,” who had spent years in counseling and came to me because there was still something that didn’t feel right and no one could figure out. Her symptom was profound job dissatisfaction, no matter what job she had. She always followed the rules, was often promoted, and never got fired—but she still hated every job.
As we addressed her symptoms of dissatisfaction at work, she recognized that it happened only when she was doing something she was told to do but didn’t believe was right or honest. At that moment, I suggested, “Maybe there’s nothing wrong with you at all. If you’re doing something that doesn’t align with your values, you feel dissatisfied, angry, depressed, or uncomfortable.”
This was an aha moment for her. Cyndi recognized her inner voice but was afraid to follow it and stand up for herself. I guided her to release the old fear that was influencing her. As the fear fell away, she was newly inspired to do work that she believed was honest. When she did, the “problem” disappeared. While it was important to recognize the “story” behind her symptom—that she was uncomfortable going against her values—it was more important to heal the fear. Healing the fear was what allowed her to change her behavior and resolve the symptom.
The symptoms you experience are the starting place for exploration, the doorway to the journey that will always lead us to the cause, so we can release or rebalance. I directly address the symptom, so you can put it aside. You can stop wondering why you feel so overwhelmed, which drains mental energy and is unproductive. You can focus instead on what’s more important, and on what you’d like to experience instead.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my coaching work is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to talk about your symptoms, and to give you tools you can use right now for relief. Let’s talk about the symptoms that are limiting your potential—and start the work of healing them. Click here to schedule a Discovery Session.
Warmly,
