Services

People seek coaching for all kinds of reasons. Some common ones include:

• Navigating a life transition such as divorce, becoming a parent, or losing a loved one
• Changing careers or adjusting to retirement
• Improving relationships with partners, children, or other family members
• Addressing self-sabotage and limiting beliefs
•  Accountability and creating new habits
• Coping with a recent diagnosis or health issue. 
• Making decisions regarding relationships, career, health or other challenges.

There are a lot of similarities between therapy and coaching. Both involve talking, listening and reflecting. Both involve a confidential relationship between a client and provider.  Both tend to be sought out when something isn't working in your life. 

But, in general, therapy focuses on the past and healing what's been hurt. It's designed to help people restore previous functioning. It's focused on helping people restore previous functioning. Therapy addresses mental health conditions that are causing impairment in functioning and/or recovering after a traumatic event.

Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on the present and the future. It’s designed to help you grow in awareness and take action. It's designed to help you identify your vision for the future and take steps to create it.

Another way to look at it is that therapy assumes there is something broken about your life, your mental health, or your relationships that needs treatment in order to be well. That's why you are given a diagnosis and insurance companies will often pay for treatment. 

Coaching assumes you are already whole, competent and capable and that you are seeking coaching to navigate a life transition, determine future plans, or achieve personal or professional goals. Doesn’t that sound fun?

That doesn't mean we don't talk about the past or about feelings in our coaching meetings. It just means we treat your emotions as a healthy part of being human, and present moment awareness as the gateway to healing past hurts.

You can read more about the distinctions between coaching and therapy here. 

Coaching with me tends to be more structured than a typical therapy session.  We start by having you get clear about what you want to accomplish during our time together. We explore your current challenges through powerful questioning, visualization, and brainstorming what’s possible. We end by reflecting on what you learned and creating the steps and accountability you need move forward. 

Coaching is a collaborative process. I believe YOU are the expert in your life. I am the expert of the coaching process. I use my intuition to ask deeper questions, to offer feedback, and share observations in order to help you gain clarity.  Unlike some therapists, I do not prescribe treatment or tell you what to do.

Absolutely. We’ll just spend the first few meetings figuring out what you want. 

Effective coaching requires that you have some idea about what you want different or what you want to create in your life. Sometimes that can be a deeper personal awareness or clarity about a specific issue.

50-minute coaching meeting: $100 - $150

Coaching is an investment. But it's more affordable than a divorce, medical care for a chronic health condition, or under-earning for another few years. 

I've never had a client say coaching with me was a waste of money. Most wish they had invested in themselves sooner.

We have to think about coaching differently. Coaching is an investment in your present and future well-being - much like hiring a personal trainer. 

If the investment feels daunting, ask yourself "What's my problem costing me right now?" or "What's the emotional, physical and financial cost of doing nothing?"  

Think about your habits and the cost of being sick in this country. (Healthcare expenses are still the leading cause of bankruptcy in this country. We can't afford to get sick.)
 
Consider the impact on your relationships or parenting. (Oftentimes kids are our biggest motivators to heal our own shit.)
 
Be honest about where you are spending money now to avoid dealing with your feelings or challenges (those wine and shopping habits add up!)
 
Consider the real cost of under-earning in a job you hate for another five years. 

Your answers to these questions can help you see the value of investing in yourself now.

If you are ready to grow and change, let's talk.      

Depends on the work you put in of course, but most experience…

• Increased awareness of self and others
• Greater clarity about their current situation and the next steps to take
• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
• Better communication skills and deeper intimacy with others
• Healthier lifestyle habits
• Better work-life balance
• Clearer boundaries and thriving relationships
• A sense of purpose and direction in their lives
• Feeling empowered and excited about life
  
  Check out these real client testimonials.

I do not provide mental health therapy anymore - just coaching, but plenty of clients need both. Just like you might have a naturopath and an MD. It’s not uncommon for my coaching clients to have done some therapy already or to be seeing their therapist while doing coaching with me. I like to collaborate!

I thought so too at first, but now I love it. I think you will too. First of all, it’s not Zoom. (Aren't we all a little fried from looking at a computer?)

Coaching by phone is also so freeing! You can be almost anywhere and have a coaching meeting. All you need is a phone and reception.

People find it very convenient to shut their office door and have a coaching meeting during their lunch break. Or meet from the comfort of their own home. No driving, no looking for parking. No worrying about your internet connection or looking presentable on camera. It might take some time to get used to, but many of us used to talk on the phone all the time, remember?

I find it very easy to tap into my intuition, to listen to what’s going on beneath the words being said, and offer direct feedback when coaching by phone. All I can say is “Don’t knock it until you try it.”

That being said, if you prefer video calls via Zoom, we can make that happen. 

Everything you need to create step-by-step a simple, sustainable, self-care routine for life.  

You receive access to a complete digital library of videos, worksheets, and journal prompts. You also receive instructions on how to use the materials and incorporate your new habits. 

Reflection questions at the end of each module allow you to share your wins and challenges and receive 1:1 coaching from me. 

Yes. Your learning materials (videos, lessons, workbook) are housed in Membervault, an online course delivery platform. If you can point and click and type, it will be easy for you to use. 

I do not. Insurance reimbursement requires a medical diagnosis and oftentimes prior authorization for medically necessary treatment.

Although there are significant health and mental health benefits from completing this program, it is considered “self-help” and not medical treatment for a disorder or disease.

You can check with your tax preparer to see if the program fee is a tax deductible expense for you.

Depends on how diligent you are about setting aside the time to explore your materials and implement your new habits.  But I would say, plan on three months. 

There are 8 habits. If you incorporate one habit each week, it will take you take you 8 weeks. The orientation lessons at the beginning take a week or two though. You might also miss a week of learning/practicing or want to take two weeks or more to really dial in a particular habit - so plan on 12 weeks. 

When you sign-up, you immediately get access to your learning materials. They are yours to keep for the list of the program.

Create your schedule for learning (i.e. an hour on Sunday mornings) and you'll be on your way!

A bit. You have to be able to open and read emails, click links, log into your learning platform and type. I'm not super techy and I figured it out.

Don't worry, we are here to support you through any tech challenges. Email me at lael@laelpetersen.com with any questions. 

It's pretty great!  The program is designed to walk you through each habit step-by-step. Start with the first lesson and work your way through one habit each week.

I recommend you set aside time each week to do your learning and stick to it. (Accountability is one of the habit changing strategies we need to develop!) Once you get started, you’ll see how to make it work for you. 

Take it one habit at a time, practice making small changes, and reach out for support. I'm here for you! 

I've led this program with mixed genderded groups and it's great fun.

You might find my content speaks more to women, but the habits are beneficial to all.

In addition, 1:1 coaching  is available to people of all genders.

Absolutely! Accountability is crucial for making changes that last.

But I encourage you to enroll individually. That way you each get access to your own learning materials and reflection questions. 

We do and we love it! Sometimes for in-person workshops or meet-ups. I also host at least one retreat each year. Check my events page for details. 

There are lots of ways to increase your connection and support within this program.

Find an accountability buddy. (You'll learn how to do that in your Orientation lessons.)

Use the reflection questions at the end of each module to ask questions and receive coaching from me.

Add 1:1 coaching with me for additional support to reach your goals. Click here to schedule a call with me. 

I love that you are thinking about those you care about. Feel free to share my website with them.

Change happens when people are motivated to do it themselves. If you pay for this program, and your friend or loved one isn't committed, it will be a waste of your money and their time. 

If you want to offer a scholarship or cover the cost for someone who’s committed but cannot afford it, that's awesome!  Have them schedule a call with me and we’ll talk it through.

Of course. You are welcome to schedule a call with me here.

Similar to the habits program, about 1-3 hours a week for group meetings or power circle meetings and engaging with your learning materials. As with any growth experience, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

That being said, a year is a long time. There will be weeks where you feel like you've done nothing with the program and community and other weeks where you feel totally engaged. Its okay. Life happens. The program is designed to take you through a step-by-step process but you can always go back and revisit materials/lessons you missed. 

It's not uncommon for members to spend a second year in this community once they experience the value of learning and growing with other women. 

Twice a month as a community. Power Circles meet 1-2 x a month as well. And then once or twice a year for in-person retreats. 

Power circles are smaller groups of 4-6 members who meet regularly on their own for accountability and deeper conversation about about the topics we're exploring. Members are grouped into Circles at the beginning of the program. Power Circle members are responsible for the formation and maintenance of their group including meeting dates/times, roles etc. Coaching and support are provided to help you create and sustain a thriving Power Circle. 

So many women want to have meaningful conversations about real life issues and their personal growth. Power Circles give members the opportunity to connect with each other on a deeper level and explore the learning materials together. I believe learning how to create and be a part of a Power Circle is an important skill to have so you can create them to support your personal growth any time for the rest of your life.

Each member receives 2 hour-long coaching meetings with Lael. Additional meetings can be purchased as needed at the member's reduced rate. Sometimes stuff comes up as we explore the lessons together. 1:1 coaching can help you process where you feel stuck, discern what's right for you, and take effective action. 

$4000 for 12 months of content, coaching and community. (Payment plans available.*)

PLUS Bonuses!
The Belong To You Habits Program and membership
Design Your Year Workshop + Quarterly Planning Workshops
Two 1:1 coaching meetings with Lael
Invitation to our members-only retreat
Discounts on additional coaching and workshops
(Total Value of Bonuses: $2750)

* I know this is a lot of money for many of us. I wrestle with the pricing all the time. On one hand, I know the value of this program and the impact it has on your life. I know what it takes to run a business and support my family. Yet, I don't want money to be the thing that keeps you from something you really want to do. If this is you, please reach out and we'll talk. 

Spend at least 6 months in the Belong To You Habits program. This will give you the solid foundation of self-care and practice prioritizing your growth.

I tell people, you don’t need the Journey like you might need the habits. You have to WANT the Journey experience. If you love personal growth and understand the value being a part of an intentional growth community, then the Journey is for you.  

I am mindful of who I take on the journey because of the kind of deep work we do and the amount of time we spend together. Once you’ve been in the habits community for at least six months, you’ll have a good sense of how I coach, how our community rolls, and whether you’re ready for this next level of growth.