Frequently Asked Questions

Working with Ashley provides both parents and teens with personalized support to navigate the challenges of adolescence and family life. Parents gain tools for better communication, confidence in their parenting approach, and a deeper understanding of their teen’s needs. Teens benefit from emotional guidance, increased self-awareness, and practical skills to tackle social, academic, and personal challenges. Together, coaching helps foster stronger, healthier relationships and empowers both parents and teens to thrive.

For Parents:

- Improved Communication with your teen, leading to more meaningful and less stressful conversations.

- Enhanced Understanding of your teen's developmental stages and emotional needs, reducing conflict and frustration.

- Practical Tools for setting boundaries and creating a balanced, respectful relationship.

- Confidence in your parenting decisions, grounded in expert advice and real-life experience.

- Support navigating the unique challenges of parenting in today’s world, including social media, peer pressure, and teen mental health.

- Peace of Mind knowing you are building a strong, healthy foundation for your teen’s future.

For Teens:

- Emotional Support from someone who understands teen brain development and can help process feelings without judgment.

- Self-Awareness tools to better understand your own strengths, challenges, and triggers.

- Problem-Solving Skills to handle social, academic, or personal challenges with resilience.

- Increased Confidence in your ability to make decisions and set goals for the future.

- Healthy Communication Skills to express yourself clearly and build positive relationships with family and friends.

- Safe Space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and identity with guidance tailored to your unique needs.

Hiring a coach can lead to profound long-term benefits for both parents and teens. For parents, it fosters lasting communication skills, boosts confidence in their parenting, and enhances resilience in family dynamics. For teens, coaching cultivates emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and stronger relationships, equipping them to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.

For Parents:

- Sustained Communication Skills: Improved strategies for open dialogue foster a lasting connection with teens.

- Confidence in Parenting: Ongoing support cultivates a strong sense of self-assuredness, leading to more effective decision-making.

- Resilience in Family Dynamics: A deeper understanding of teen development promotes healthier relationships, reducing conflicts over time.

For Teens:

- Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Developing skills to understand and manage emotions supports mental well-being throughout life.

- Lifelong Problem-Solving Abilities: Cultivating resilience equips teens to face future challenges with confidence and adaptability.

- Stronger Relationships: Improved communication skills lead to healthier connections with peers and family, positively impacting social interactions.

• 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 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 person 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 style is compassionate, empathetic, and goal-oriented, helping my clients overcome challenges, build self-worth, and work toward the success they define for themselves.

It's completely understandable that some teens may not initially feel comfortable with the idea of engaging in a coaching/mentor relationship. Respecting their feelings and not pushing them into something they're not ready for is essential. However, it's important to recognize that coaching/mentoring is different 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/mentoring 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/mentoring as a personalized course or program designed to help your teen feel better and achieve their specific goals. Emphasize that the coaching/mentoring 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 the coaching/mentoring relationship 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.