CERTIFIED LIFE COACH

From 1998 – 2002, he participated in the Mastery of Coaching training program, offered by the Center for Leadership Design, and was certified as a Life Coach in Nov 2002.   The training consisted of five intensives per year for three years, along with remote learning, Supervision and research.

The focus of his Coaching practice includes: grief,  mid-life “stuckness” and difficult life transition. 

Mid-Life Transition

According to Dr. James Hollis, PhD., the transition known as the “mid-life crisis” is the “middle passage” between the first and second halves of life. However, the transition point is different for all of us. Some hit the point at age 30 and others at age 60. Generally, the “middle passage” begins when we have the experience of confronting the questions:

• Who really am I?
• What is my purpose in life?  
• How can I gain meaning in living?
• How can I best share my inner gifts and serve?  

For some, this is a less painful and/or less challenging transition. However, for most, it is precipitated by a significant life change, such as an “empty nest,” loss of a job, a health challenge, an emotional upheaval, divorce, etc. He work with clients by supporting them in distinguishing how they may have followed someone else’s plan and / or expectations for living from the often crippling angst felt in trying to figure out and implement a new life plan of their own.  Something (or perhaps someone) is often lost in the process and it must be grieved.

Mitch also works with clients using Internal Family Systems (IFS), which allows clients to befriend subpersonality parts that protect young, vulnerable subpersonality parts that were wounded.   By softening the protectors and healing the wounded, many obstacles in life can be found to diminish.

Grief after a Major Loss

Grief due to the death of a loved one or the loss of a job /health/goal or being in a transitional state in life can all feel the same. The process of grieving death, loss and transition is very similar.

The guidance Mitch offers differs from psychotherapy in that it seeks to provide present-time “scaffolds of support” and suggested strategies to guide the client through the “swamp of suffering” to “dry land”.   When warranted, or when a client is overwhelmed by trauma, Mitch will refer to licensed psychotherapists to supplement the work.

 Fee: $85 per hour and he will work on a sliding scale if circumstances warrant a reduction in fees.