This is Entry #4 of the National Coach Academy Coach Interview Series.
Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing Kathleen Fors. Kathleen is a coach and founder of the Holistic Emotional Makeover (HEM) System. She is based in Carbondale, Colorado.
NCA: Can you describe your company and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Kathleen: My company, Coaching Plus, is a transformational life coaching practice which includes alternative healing modalities for fast results. I typically work with persons who were raised by a domineering and/or angry parent. Adults with this type of history usually have similar life challenges such as “people pleasing,” “weak boundaries,” “uneasiness,” and “often being a victim.” The unique program that I have developed over the past 7 years is called The Holistic Emotional Makeover which is all about making my clients feel safe, confident and self-empowered.
Before I start working with a client, I have a no-cost consultation to make sure that we
are compatible and that I feel confident that I can help the prospective client in a big way.
Once we have agreed to work together, I have my clients complete a history form. My Holistic Emotional Makeover System is designed to clear out childhood and adult trauma which I think is the main cause of people having all sorts of challenges.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Kathleen: I personally had many challenges including a 22-year binge eating disorder, a 5-year inflammation illness, and anxiety. Finally out of despair, I took a class that taught me it was okay to be angry and that I didn’t have to stuff down my feelings. I learned how to feel my feelings and to express them in an appropriate way. This was a major awakening that helped me get over my overeating challenge. From then on I took every personal development class I could and attended a 2 year coaching school. I also learned several healing modalities – the main ones being Yuen Energetics and ThetaHealing. After transforming my own life, I had tons of tools in my toolbox to help others, thus I started my coaching practice.
Finally out of despair, I took a class that taught me it was okay to be angry and that I didn’t have to stuff down my feelings. I learned how to feel my feelings and to express them in an appropriate way. This was a major awakening that helped me get over my overeating challenge.
NCA: Can you elaborate some more on the alternative techniques that you’ve found that have been effective working with clients now?
Kathleen: Well, after learning ThetaHealing I was guided to expand upon the technique in which I created my unique Holistic Emotional Makeover System. I now focus on identifying and clearing sabotaging beliefs and emotions and replacing them with empowering beliefs and emotions. It sounds simple, but it is very effective in changing behavior unlike trying to manage behavior. Getting down to the core sabotaging beliefs causing the challenges is highly effective in changing a person’s feelings about themselves and others.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career? Likewise, what is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Kathleen: Well, most people come to me after trying many other things to help them remove their blocks to success but disappointedly they have not reached their goals yet. The most rewarding part is being able to help these committed people get what they what within 3 – 6 months, which is pretty amazing.
The most challenging aspect of my practice has been working with clients where their physical challenges did not get relief even though they grew lightyears personally and were happier.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Kathleen: First, I suggest that if a person has not worked with a personal life coach, regarding a particular challenge that they do so. Secondly, there are dozens of coaching schools available. I suggest that they do research and find a coaching school that resonates with their values, lifestyle, learning style and finances.
