I’ve changed up my posting routine this week, so that means that my little life coaching post series is happening today instead of on Monday. Two days ago, I thought it was timely to post about the holiday weekend during the holiday weekend. Hehe. So, I postponed this post until today. But, I didn’t want to skip it altogether. I think it’s quite an important post – especially for any of you who may be considering contacting a life coach or spiritual director/guide.
Before you go + talk with someone, I am sure that you want to know all about their qualifications. So, with this post, we will take a little break from the theoretical, visionary, dreamy kinds of big picture things that I usually love, in order to delve into some practical things about what kind of education I have had + what I am qualified to do.
Most importantly, with this post, I want to share with you a bit of my professional side. So that you will know what I am capable of, and also, what I have set as my boundaries. What I mean with that is what I am absolutely qualified to work with and when I will refer you to another type of professional because you needs just might go beyond my qualifications and experiences. This is how I choose to be responsible, ethical, and honest in my work. Just as someone may not have the skills, techniques, or personality to work with a client and may, then, send him or her to me.
I believe that it is very important for you to know a bit of my background, so you can feel safe + secure, should you decide to give me the privilege of having some life coaching sessions with you.
Of course, you can ask me anything, at any time, concerning my past or current work. I am absolutely comfortable answering questions. Or you can just shoot me an email, if you’d like. If I don’t cover it here, just ask!
My professional qualifications:
Degrees earned:
→ Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (1992-1999, Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC, USA)
→ Master’s of Divinity (2005-2008, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC USA)
→ International Life Coach Certification (2015-2016, Kjell Haglund’s Livscoachutbildning, Västerås, Sweden)
Professional work:
→ Special Education teacher (7 years, USA)
→ Minister/Pastor in the United Methodist Church (9 years, USA and Sweden)
→ Freelance columnist + photographer for the Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC, USA)
→ Mentor/Counselor for teenagers/young adults (2016-present, Uppsala, Sweden)
While I have had many different roles in my professional life and personal interests, the same goal has remained the same: to guide + inspire others who are seeking meaning in their lives. Whether blogging, traveling, writing for a newspaper, being a mentor/life coach, writing sermons and small group classes to encourage spiritual development in a church setting, or writing individualized plans and teaching students with disabilities to believe in themselves, I have used my words, my images, my knowledge, and my experiences to motivate and encourage others to discover who they are and to create a life that fulfills their potential for happiness and service, and to find the joy in exploring the world.
In the end, no matter how my day-to-day work looks, my purpose is to help others discover + create a sense of meaning for their own lives.
Me, the minister/pastor in the United Methodist Church 
Me, the freelance writer + photographer. 
Me + the small group I created ( I’ve created, organized and led many, many small groups of all different kinds, from 3 people to 20 people to 200 people throughout the years).
Me, the special education teacher + mentor
Me, the life coach
So, what does this all mean? Well, it means that, not only that I have a big interest in helping, talking with, listening to, counseling, guiding, and inspiring others, I actually have studied + worked professionally within these areas of counseling/coaching/educating.
In other words, I am professionally educated, trained, and experienced in working as a spiritual guide/director and life coach/mentor. I have a plethora of work experiences and capabilities, including, but not limited to: small group leader, workshop leader, theological/motivational speaker, counselor, spiritual guide, writer, creative guide, teacher. And the best thing that I know is to be able to live a life in which I may be of benefit to others through these specific skills + gifts that I have.
Now, there is one more thing that I wish to share with you all: I am not a therapist. There is a difference between a life coach/spiritual guide/mentor and a therapist/counselor. To read more about that, click here. I do not treat any specific type of diagnosis. However, I can, and do, work with people who have a diagnosis, but as a support/coach/guide. Since I am not a therapist, there may be times that my skills and experiences and education are not enough to fully assist a client, and if I understand that to be true, then I will most definitely refer that client on to someone else in order that he/she will receive the best care and help possible.
Of course, the reverse happens as well. Sometimes people have been referred to me because of my specific set of skills and experiences. You know, it’s really all about finding the perfect fit.
So, there you have it. A post that serves a bit like a resume. Again, not only do I love what I do, I am also specifically trained and educated in my work. Should you want to know more, or are simply curious about what I have done in the past, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email!
Happy hump day, you guys. Wishing you all the best! xoxo. liz.
