Intentional Life Coaching, LLC

02/15/2025

02/27/2023

Randy and I are in the midst of walking several people through the loss of loved ones. This past month alone I have had sessions with a mom who lost her 15 year old son in a horrific accident, a mom who lost their daughter to cancer, a daughter who lost the mother unexpectedly, with appointments already next month with people grieving loss of loved ones.

I have used the advice and techniques of Nancy Guthrie in my counseling with those grieving, as well as those who walk with those grieving. I believe the video I have linked will help both sides.

Extending mercy and grace during grief is very important on both sides. I remind my clients often that sometimes “Hurting people hurt people” unintentionally to be careful how they respond to the people who are trying to care Biblically and bear one another’s burdens. I encourage both sides (those who are grieving and those who extend condolences, to extend mercy and grace to each other. Extending grace to someone who had the best intentions while trying to comfort us is just as important as extending grace to someone who isn’t ready to share.

Knowing what to say and what not to say is very helpful. Our prayers are not only with those freshly grieving but also with those who continue to grieve weeks, months, and even years after a loss.

A helpful discussion on how to interact with those who have recently been affected by loss.

02/04/2023

NEW episode! Tune in to the Resolutions Podcast to listen to author and speaker Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner and host Chris Campbell talk about finding freedom from the tangles of discouragement, deception, and depression.

01/11/2023

Being prayed over by others, as well as praying with others, has a positive impact on our mental and spiritual health. When we pray and put our trust in God, our mood improves, our outlook changes, and we grow closer to God.

Try making prayer a part of your life every day, and watch how God will use it to change your mind and heart.

06/23/2021

This distortion involves thinking that if we feel a certain way, it must be true. For example, if we feel unattractive or uninteresting in the current moment, we think we are unattractive or uninteresting. This cognitive distortion boils down to:

“I feel it, therefore it must be true.”

Clearly, our emotions are not always indicative of the objective truth, but it can be difficult to look past how we feel.
*
*
*

06/14/2021

Notice your self talk and try to use these reframing techniques!
*
*
*

05/29/2021

We often think that forgiving the other person is letting them off of the hook. But in reality, the bitterness or hate we feel towards someone keeps us tethered to them and that event. Think of it this way, we do not forgive for them to feel better or get another chance to hurt us. We forgive because it allows ourselves to let go of the hurt and begin to heal and move forward.
Once you forgive, don’t forget that you still choose if you want them in your life or not.

Forgiveness is a courageous act that reflects the grace of God ⠀
⠀
Many people do not want to forgive because they want revenge. To seek revenge is to let the devil set the agenda. This puts you on the same level as the abuser. (Yep, that’s right) ⠀
⠀
***When we forgive, we set the captives free-only to realize we were the captives*** ⠀
*
*
*

05/25/2021

There will always be someone who thinks wrongly of you, whether through something that happened 10 years ago, a split second reaction, or because they have something personal going on.

Do what you know is best and don’t get caught up on making sure others believe it
*
*
*

05/21/2021

Over the past several months, I have been writing several blogs to begin to post on my website. I have been putting the final touches on several while waiting for the timing to be right. Timing can be everything when posting about topics that will resonate with others. I will revisit this specific topic in the near future, but I felt like I wanted to jump on here really quick to give some guidance from a personal and professional standpoint.

There are several elements that go into the equation of a successful therapy/coaching session. For instance, being an active listener is huge. That means being present in the moment. Put the cell phone down, turn the tv off, turn the radio off if you’re in a car. Make eye contact as much as possible so they know your listening. They may look everywhere else when talking, but keep your eyes on them so you can observe what they are not saying. What their facial expressions, their body language, and listen to the tone in their voice.

As a counselor/life coach, asking the right question is essential. Using the right words to ask the question can be the difference in someone having a breakthrough, or a shift in thinking. The other component that makes a session successful is trust. Absolute trust. A client will not open up if they don’t feel safe.

I have stopped asking the question, “How’s it going” or even “How are things going”? If you were to ask me those questions, you’re going to get a general overview of my schedule, actives going on, how my family is, or even how work is going. More than likely I won’t give you details other than fine, busy, or going ok.
However, if you ask me with your hand on my hand, or your hand on my shoulder, making direct eye contact and pausing between each word “How….Are….You”, you will get a more defined answer.

My challenge to you is to be genuine with someone you care about this week, or someone you know who is struggling. Put your phone down, be an active listener, be in the moment and stay in that moment until they're finished expressing their thoughts. When you ask someone about themselves you should be prepared to wait for that answer, for as long as it takes.

05/06/2021

You deserve help
You deserve support
You are allowed to see a professional
You are not a burden
Your friends and family want to support you
You are not a bad person who needs to suffer

*
*
*

04/30/2021