Elaine Bontempi, Ph.D.

Are you feeling stuck or uninspired? Are you experiencing major life transitions that have left you feeling lost, confused, or derailed from your previous sense of identity? Are you having difficulty reaching goals, or struggling to connect to your true purpose? Maybe you are considering a change in careers but are afraid of taking the leap. If you said "yes" to any of these questions then coaching can be extremely helpful!

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COACHING & COUNSELING?

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​One common misconception about coaching is that it is the same thing as counseling, but the two differ significantly. A few main differences include:
 

• Coaching tends to focus on the future,  goal setting, and awakening inner excellence.

• Coaching often focuses on motivation, becoming "unstuck" during life transitions, and offers strategies for success, relaxation, and well-being.

• Counseling often spends more time examining the past and addresses deeper psychological disorders. 

• Counseling includes a diagnosis using the DSM V.

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Many clients choose coaching over counseling whereas many others work with both a coach and a counselor. 

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Another common misconception is that only "broken" people seek coaching or counseling. Nothing could be further from the truth! Most people seek coaching because they are interested in personal growth and becoming the best version of themselves.

 

Coaching is a partnership between the client and coach assisting in goal achievement, increasing motivation and creativity, life transitions, overcoming limiting beliefs, finding solutions, and improving quality of life.  It can be particularly helpful when someone is encountering life transitions of feeling "stuck," unsure of the next steps to take next.​

 

Sometimes we find ourselves on a particular path in life and becoming increasingly aware that it is not bringing the sense of fulfillment and joy we had hoped. Beginning at an early age, we are bombarded with messages from family members, friends, educators, religious institutions, the media, and society telling us what behaviors and goals are “valued” and “worth pursuing.” As a result, we often sacrifice our authentic selves in order to achieve social acceptance and approval, but doing so can take a toll on our happiness and psychological well-being as it tends to result in increased anxiety and depression. 

 

Working with a coach can help you to reconnect to your most authentic self, and help you to become the best version of yourself!

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A HELPING HAND
 

If there is one thing that we can count on, it is change. Things are constantly evolving, and even when we think we are on the right path, life has a tendency to throw us "curveballs." Some of these setbacks can cause us to temporarily lose our focus and get off track, while others are so life-altering they mandate a change in direction. Transitions such as college, graduation, marriage, the birth of children, relocation, or career changes can be both exciting and intimidating, as we move forward into the unknown. Other events such as divorce, an empty nest, health changes, loss of a loved one, retirement, etc. may be more frightening and leave us feeling lost and alone.

 

I truly believe that each of us has a unique purpose to fulfill in this life, and when live a life not in alignment with our truest self we sacrifice our happiness, fulfillment, passion, and purpose.  At some level, we know when we are off course but often push this knowledge down for years out of fear. 

 

My goal is to arm you with powerful tools and strategies that will enable you to smoothly navigate your way through life's transitions, achieve your dreams, and become the best version of yourself!

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