“I have built a solid life and wellness coaching business that allows me to help others in very meaningful ways.”
What drew you to study health and wellness coaching as your healing discipline?
I had been a counselor for my entire career, but found the perspective it took about one’s mental health to be limiting and problem-focused. I love that coaching has a more holistic view of people, one that encompasses the idea that people possess the capabilities to find their own answers. Coaching is also very empowering for the client, and in my view, helps create change that is sustainable over their lifetime.
Why did you choose MUIH for your academic program?
I attended a Coaching Cafe in the fall of 2012, and after sitting in a circle with others interested in the program, realized that ‘these were my people!’ I felt very at home at MUIH from the very beginning, being in an environment where all students want to help people in very meaningful and profound ways…it’s everyone’s calling really. I had never been in a community that shared my same values around service like MUIH.
Describe your path since graduating:
Since graduating, I have started my own coaching business called Chart Your Course. I have also created a three week ‘Learn to Meditate’ course, which I have offered to my local community various times throughout the year. I was introduced to mindfulness at MUIH, and have sought out additional training in teaching mindfulness in schools. I am currently writing curriculum to be used in an elementary school this year. Additionally, last summer I co-created and ran, along with a fellow MUIH coaching student, a day-long Wellness Retreat for women. I plan to do more in this area in the coming year. And lastly, I am, along with the same partner, creating a Coaching Intensive. The goal of this program is to provide a place for coaches to go for a sense of community and on-going learning.
What have you accomplished that is a result of the education and skills you received here?
I have built a solid life and wellness coaching business that allows me to help others in very meaningful ways, via coaching, teaching, and curriculum/retreat development.
What has been your most exciting or fulfilling professional experience to date?
Teaching individuals and groups how to meditate. Meditation has the potential to affect people’s lives in so many positive ways. To be able to break down this practice into very simple and understandable terms for people, and then to see them reap the benefits of this practice, is both a privilege and an honor.
Are you achieving your professional goals?
Yes I am! I do continue with my ‘day job’ (school counselor), and have been able to add in some new skills such as mindfulness into this job which has added much value to the kids I serve and to my overall level of satisfaction.
What would you like to do next, professionally speaking?
I am actively growing my coaching practice and I’d like to once again work as a Mentor Coach at MUIH this fall. I enjoy coaching and teaching others about coaching immensely! I like to tell people “Coaching is the bomb!” because it really is… there is nothing out there like it!!!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I loved my time at MUIH so much! I grew both as a coach and as a person immensely! MUIH’s environment fosters a ‘way of being’ in the world that you can then take out into your own life and model for others. You shine your own light so brightly so that others can find theirs…you gain a confidence and a contentment that is absolutely contagious for others!
Karin Mitchell completed MUIH’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching in 2014. Visit her website at www.chartyourcourse.me.
