This is the story of what happened when I tried to talk about aging with a 26-year-old
Last fall, I was feeling deeply uncertain about my path, wondering what was next for me and feeling a bit stuck.
I knew my health insurance offered six free therapy sessions, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, my worst fear was realized: the therapist I was assigned to was young. Like, not too far out of college young.
I am a complex woman who wanted to talk about fears around retiring, aging, relationships, and balancing being a mother and grandmother with everything else in my life. This sweet young woman tried hard. She relied on a set curriculum with worksheets for me to complete between sessions. While I enjoyed the sessions, found them interesting, and even learned a few things, we never got around to the topics I actually needed help with.
She also was not as direct or brave as I needed. I wanted someone who would challenge my thoughts, give me real feedback, push me to look at my thinking errors, and help me spot the habits that were keeping me comfortably held back.
I got the sense that my answers intimidated her, simply because she had not yet lived through the things I needed help navigating. She didn’t have the life experience or context for my current struggles.
Reflecting on that time, I know I was not being overly critical or harsh. The truth is that I had been matched with someone who lacked the life experience and perspective to guide a woman in her mid-sixties through a personal and professional identity shift.
When my health insurance changed, I had the opportunity to specify exactly what I was looking for in a therapist. I requested a female professional who was direct, rich in life experience, willing to go deep, and equipped with a strong sense of humor. And doesn’t rely on worksheets or stick to a set curriculum.
This time, my therapist is a fantastic match. She keeps up with me and is not intimidated for a second.
It makes total sense that this is what I need, because these are the exact qualities I have always brought to my coaching clients.
And: I wanted to work with someone like me
I know I do not let my clients off the hook when they want better for themselves, and I am never afraid to give candid feedback wrapped in genuine empathy and compassion.
I am not a therapist, and my work with you is not therapy. It is coaching.
Coaching is about listening deeply, trusting that you already possess the inner strength to achieve what you want, and uncovering the patterns of behavior that keep you from bringing those strengths forward.
If you are at a crossroads and need a strong, seasoned guide who cares deeply about helping you step into your next chapter, reach out. Let us see if we are a good match. I can’t wait to hear from you.
And yes, I’m partially retired and so my schedule fills quickly. Reach out now!