From information to transformation

Most attempts to change fail. Many studies show this. It is true for companies. It is true for individuals. There is usually a so-called honeymoon effect: great insights and enthusiasm after a coaching session, a seminar, a training course, a book. And months later, everything grooves back into the same old place.

The fact is: Information is not transformation. Change usually requires far more than cognitive understanding, discipline and an appealing vision.

Fortunately, the difference between honeymoon and transformation is well researched. In our coaching, we use this knowledge to create the best conditions for sustainably designing your future.

Understanding your unique meaning of life, goals & dreams

More success. More free time. More self-confidence. More love, meaning, happiness: everyone has very individual associations with almost every goal based on their values, experiences, ideas about the world and themselves. Sometimes behind the desire for more success is the desire for more love. Sometimes behind the desire for more relaxation is the desire for more enthusiasm for life … In order to create promising paths to your goals and dreams, it is super helpful to explore your individual meaning first.

Existential philosophy can be a particularly good approach here — and it offers many more opportunities to explore in depth what life, love, success is all about for you.

Recognizing, developing and using the good

Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life worth living. As a branch of academic psychology, it emphasizes the topics of a successful life. Classical psychology often focuses on alleviating suffering. Positive psychology is mainly about strengthening strengths and encouraging individual positive development. Fields of research and therefore coaching aspects are e.g. flow, flourishing, meaning in life, self-worth, performance- and passion strengths, talents, values, goals.

Heads up: Positive does not stand for a permanent grin. It stands for the focus on what works as a motor for authentic development.

Creating awareness & managing energy

Do you immediately think of slow-talking people in remarkable outfits who grin all day and rave about enlightenment? I feel you. Let’s scrap that and focus on the science. It speaks volumes. Just the aspect of being more aware of thoughts and feelings can be a game changer on your path. The more aware you are, the easier it is to take responsibility for goals, decisions, relationships. And you can create all of this with more clarity, confidence and security.

A nice side effect: the field offers endless inspiration and concrete tools for gaining and managing energy (without hocus-pocus, I promise).

Challenging automatisms and habits & networking new things

The decision for something new is always a decision against something old. Okay. Where’s the news? This is exactly where most attempts at change fail. Because we are evolutionarily designed for maximum efficiency. Doing and thinking what we are used to is maximally efficient. And habits are often supported by our entire way of life and the people around us. This means that thinking and acting differently in the long term is usually a real challenge. Understanding this challenge from a neuroscientific perspective can help us to pursue goals with more willpower, perseverance and creativity.

The concept of positive neuroplasticity not only provides valuable scientific insights, but also very specific tools.

Extract (continuing professional training since 2006): Change Management: University of the Arts, Berlin Positive Psychology: DACH-PP, University of Pennsylvania (Cert) The Art & Science of Well-Being: 1.5 years of interdisciplinary academic studies on change and well-being (Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience) NLP: NLP Master, DVNLP Philosophy: Certified in Existential Coaching and Ethics Studies Mindfulness: Mindfulness Training since 2013, Certified in MBSP, MSC, MSC for shame, Buddhist Psychology Neuroscience: Neuroscience Studies within academic studies on change and well-being, Positive Neuroplasticity Trainer (ongoing training), Further: Ongoing one-on-one coaching in executive positions in international companies since 2008, co-trainer in leadership trainings with a focus on personal development and emotional intelligence, ongoing mentoring and studies on the science of change and well-being in international professional networks, member of the International Coaching Federation.

In addition to my studies, I have dedicated twenty years of my life to brand, corporate and executive communications in international companies and creative agencies. A passion that will always remain.

Trustworthiness is one of my signature values. That’s why it took me years to decide to enter the completely crazy coaching scene. The term « Coach » is not protected. Anyone can join and pretend to sell « ten simple steps to a heavenly life ».

The ICF is trying to counteract this and offer clients more transparency and safety. It only accepts coaches who can prove that they have undergone extensive training and adhere to ethical standards.

There are a million ways to describe what coaching is. This definition best captures my understanding and expectation of my work:

The aim of coaching is sustained cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes that facilitate goal attainment and performance enhancement, either in one’s work or in one’s personal life. (Douglas & McCauley)

Unlike therapy, coaching is not about treating clinically significant mental illness. It is about increasing mental clarity and strength as a centerpiece for well-being, performance and growth (a.o.). Because of the different specializations and areas of influence, coaching can be a very valuable addition to therapy in collaboration with therapists.