Q & A with Shannon

What is your training or certification in life coaching?

-I have an Ikigai life Coach certification through various organizations including Coaching Masters Academy), IPMA CCT (Certified Consultant, Coach, or Trainer), and International Compliance Assurance for Holistic Practitioners.  In addition, I’ve held an Occupational Therapy License since 2017.  

Do you have a specific coaching philosophy or method you follow?

-I was trained in the Ikigai Life Coach philosophy and cultural practice.  Ikigai was popularized by Japanese psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya in her 1966 book “On the Meaning of Life”.  The concept of Ikigai is to find meaning in your life that can motivate you to get tasks done.  It can be about recognizing that the current moment is the most delicious ‘nectar’ to experience.  Ikigai can also be something that is already happening in your life that you do not recognize, because it flows through your day smoothly and easily. 

How does your OT and embodiment background influence your coaching?

-I also bring my knowledge of sensory processing and the resultant dysregulation and regulation that comes from lack of self-awareness.  I also bring a depth of knowledge of embodiment that supports your wholeness and your holistic well-being.  Combining all of these into a philosophy that is simultaneously grounding and motivating. 

Working as an Occupational Therapist has given me the skills to actively listen and collaborate with the client to set SMART goals and provide discrete, continual support to achieve those goals.

Do you specialize in any particular area (e.g., career, relationships, wellness, purpose)?

-Ikigai can work across acres of the much of the life span.  It seems to be most useful when you are experiencing a transition in career, schooling, or needing to get more understanding of your purpose in what you are currently accomplishing.

What is the coaching process like? 

Sessions are 45-60mn. Through a process of listening and reflecting, we collaborate on Specific,  Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed goals; be it 6 months or 1 year.  Then we establish short term objectives to measure our progress and boost our motivation to get things done. My job as a coach is to give the “just right” amount of structure so that the client can be flexible and creative in their problem solving.

What happens after a session?

Progress looks not only about accomplishing the short term and long terms goals, but also in reflecting on the pleasure in the process of getting there.There is homework when needed and it usually requires reflection on the process or doing a bit of research