Listening and knowledge-sharing outside a medical model
Coaching (or “life coaching”) is a way of facilitating conversation to help people access, trust, and act on their own wisdom. It is built on the idea that each of us, no matter our age, is the expert in our own experience. The role of a coach is to listen and ask questions that help the coachee to think creatively about their goals, challenges, and commitments.
Trans Youth Coaching sessions combine a listening approach (“organic coaching”) with sharing information and resources related to gender, trans experience, and child and adolescent development (“knowledge-based coaching”).
Are you a young person questioning your gender or thinking about coming out? I can answer questions, help you identify the next steps that feel right to you, and accompany you through whatever fears, joys, anxieties, confusion, and clarity is coming up. Did your child recently tell you that they are, or think they might be, trans? We can strengthen your Trans 101 knowledge and help you figure out how to offer the support that they most need right now. Concerned about the impact of anti-trans politics on your family? Our coaching might focus on making a safety plan, identifying resources, and ensuring you are ready to advocate for your child’s health and well-being.
Coaching isn’t therapy, but it can be beneficial for mental health and well-being. Coaching is generally action-oriented, focused on the present and future, and does not diagnose or treat mental illness. For LGBTQ+ folks whose identities are often (wrongly) treated as illnesses, coaching offers access to support outside of a medical model of illness, diagnosis, and treatment.