Frequently Asked Questions

Often people will turn to a life coach because they want to focus on their future and find that obstacles are getting in the way of them realizing and meeting their goals. Parents will hire a coach for their teens when the parents see that their child needs a positive mentor and wants to allow their teen to become their best. Parents will hire a life coach when they want to discover why the relationship with their child/children is not what they want and are willing to work on weekly goals to reach their desired outcome.

Some Reasons Teens Turn to Coaching:

• Feeling anxious
• Lack of social skills and they want to understand how to build friendships
• Overwhelmed with life/academics/sports/friendships/parents
• Needing help with communication towards their parents/guardians
• A desire to raise GPA or do better in school
• Overall desire to feel better about themselves
• Want to make better choices in their life 

Some Reasons Parents Turn to Coaching:

• You want to respond more thoughtfully 
• Children are not respectful and refusing to meet parents expectations
• Relationships are broken and parents want to mend
• You are feeling alone as a parent and want support and guidance
• You want more information about child development and best practices  
• You want to discover your family values to help impart them into your children
• You need help navigating the “puberty, cell-phone, sex, and/or drugs” talk

In psychotherapy, the therapist is in charge and is considered the “mental health professional.” In coaching, the client is in charge. The coach works for the client, and the client determines the agenda. In psychotherapy, the function is to “fix what’s broken.”In coaching, the function is to develop strengths. In psychotherapy, the focus is on feelings and past events. In coaching, the focus is on actions and the future. In psychotherapy, the process explores the root of problems. In coaching, the process focuses on solving problems. In psychotherapy, the assumption is the client needs healing. In coaching, the assumption is the client is whole. Psychotherapists deal primarily with answering the question “Why do I….?” A coach asks the question, “Who are you? Where do you want to go? and What do you want your future to look like?”

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, which equips me with a solid foundation in understanding family dynamics and human behavior. I have always been committed to personal and professional development, and I am constantly attending workshops and training sessions to enhance my coaching skills. I believe that staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge and techniques is crucial to providing the best support to my clients.

But what truly sets me apart is my personal journey and the life experiences that have shaped me into the coach I am today. I have faced my fair share of challenges and struggles, and I am proud of the path I've taken to overcome them and create a successful life. Despite the pain and difficulties, I have no regrets about the choices I've made. In fact, these experiences have been invaluable in teaching me important life lessons and making me a more empathetic and understanding person. I draw on my own experiences to connect with and guide my clients, knowing that life's hardships can be powerful teachers.

My dedication to studying human behavior has been a lifelong pursuit. Over the past 20+ years, I have worked as an educator, specializing in working with parents and teenagers. This extensive experience has provided me with a profound understanding of the unique challenges that families face. I have developed the ability to help people feel validated and heard, while also empowering them to take action and make positive changes in their lives.

I am a goal-oriented individual, and I firmly believe that building self-worth begins with taking small, manageable steps toward believing in oneself. I guide my clients in this process, understanding that it's the journey and progress that matter most.

Teens find my coaching approach particularly appealing, as they often describe me as approachable, kind, to the point, respectful, and a voice worth listening to. Building a positive rapport with teenagers is a crucial aspect of my coaching, and I take pride in creating a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. This positive feedback from teens is a testament to my ability to connect with them on a genuine level, making the coaching process not only effective but also enjoyable for young clients.

In addition to my personal and professional experiences, I proudly raised two daughters, and for 13 years, I was a single mom. This journey has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of parenthood, as well as the importance of setting and achieving individual goals.

In summary, my unique blend of personal experiences, extensive education, and ongoing professional development has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective coaching to teens and parents. My coaching style is compassionate, empathetic, and goal-oriented, helping my clients overcome challenges, build self-worth, and work toward the success they define for themselves.

Before starting a coaching contract, Ashley will hold a complimentary 30-minute discovery meeting with the Parents and/or teens to see if there is a match. The relationship between the coach and the client is fundamental in the movement and progress made during the coaching agreement.

As a parent, it's completely understandable that some teens may not initially feel comfortable with the idea of engaging in life coaching. Respecting their feelings and not pushing them into something they're not ready for is essential. However, it's important to recognize that coaching is distinct from therapy and can be a valuable resource for helping your teenager become the best version of themselves.

One approach to encouraging your teen to explore coaching is to involve them in the decision-making process. Consider scheduling a discovery call with Ashley, and allow your teen to ask questions and get to know her. This initial interaction can help your teen feel more at ease and understand that coaching is a supportive, empowering experience.

It might also be helpful to reframe coaching as a personalized course or program designed to help your teen feel better and achieve their specific goals. Emphasize that the coaching process is all about addressing what matters most to your teenager, not anyone else. This individualized approach is what makes teen coaching incredibly effective. Your teen can begin to see positive results right away, and this early progress can be a strong motivator for continued engagement, leading to even better outcomes.

Ultimately, the decision to explore coaching should be made by your teen. It's vital to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, offering support and resources without applying pressure. By empowering your teenager to make this choice, you're giving them the opportunity to take control of their personal growth and well-being, while knowing that they have a supportive and experienced coach like Ashley to guide them on their journey.