I have a confession to make ...

I'm not the expert on you - you are!

I don't have all the answers.

Have you ever heard a coach say that? I haven't. Most coaches who are marketing themselves online will try to sell you on the idea that they know what's best for you. If you follow their program, you will be thin, healthy and joyous. You will change your mindset, be more productive than ever before and it will be sunshine and roses forever after. All for the low price of $10,000 and three months of your time.

The truth is there is no one size fits all program that will help you make lasting change. Here's how I know - because I've tried other programs. I've read the self-help books. I've been in therapy since I was 16 years old! Creating the life you want, caring for yourself in healthy ways and dealing effectively with trauma, anxiety and whatever else you have going on is a life long process. There are no easy fixes. And there is no "happy ever after" where you get to stop working on things. (I watched way too many rom coms as a young person and I'm still pissed that all those happy endings were a lie I fell for.)

Self care is not a one and done thing. It's also not all bubble baths, spa days and scented candles either. Self care includes things like doing the dishes and the laundry. Going grocery shopping when you don't feel like it but you need to have food in the house to feed yourself. Exercising even when you don't like it and you're tired because it's necessary to keep you healthy in the long run. We can figure out ways to make those self care chores less dreary - I always watch television while I fold the laundry, for example. I love my neighborhood so taking walks is a pleasure most of the time. (Talk to me once the snow starts really coming down though ...)

You might be wondering what I offer instead of the one size fits all programs you see most coaches offering .... I offer one on one, customized coaching to fit my clients' needs. I have knowledge and expertise that can help shed light on the issues you are facing but YOU are the expert on what works for you. Sometimes we do trial and error - we try different approaches to find what works. I ask questions designed to get you to understand yourself better and to figure out what your needs are.

Because I work with women who have gone through the trauma of domestic abuse, everything is done through a trauma informed lens. I understand how hard it can be to figure out what your needs are when you've spent years putting the needs of your abuser first. We will work together to find what you need and how to fulfill those needs.

Most of all, I'm a great cheerleader and support for my clients. Working with me is fun! We deal with serious issues but we can still enjoy the process. If you're interested in one on one coaching, set up a free consultation here so we can make sure we're a fit.

Because I know that the cost of one on one coaching might be out of reach for some women, I am also going to start a community where we can share struggles and celebrate wins. Members of the community will get discounts on coaching and events. And for those willing to take the leap and join early, founding membership will be free for the first six months and those members will be grandfathered in at $25/mo no matter how much the price rises. If you're interested in being one of the first to join the community, email me a jessica@fireflywellnesschicago.com!