Michelle Crawford

What Is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a supportive and reflective process designed to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges. It offers a safe and confidential space to explore thoughts, emotions, and life situations openly, gain clarity, and discover new perspectives and possible ways forward.

Life coaching is not therapy and does not involve diagnosis or medical treatment. Instead, it focuses on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and strengthening your own resources.

Goals of Life Coaching

Life coaching can support you in the following areas:

• Self-reflection: developing a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and inner patterns
• Problem-solving: identifying individual strategies to navigate current challenges
• Support: being accompanied through demanding life phases with empathy and understanding
• Personal growth: strengthening self-awareness and inner resources
• Stress management: learning practical tools to cope with stress and everyday pressure
• Conflict awareness: gaining clarity in interpersonal dynamics and improving communication
• Self-confidence: fostering a stronger sense of self-worth and inner stability
• Life balance: creating a healthier balance between work, family, and personal time
• Communication: improving communication skills for more authentic and fulfilling interactions

Approach & Professional Background

My work as a life coach is based on my education at Paracelsus Health Academy, one of Germany’s well-known institutes for counseling and personal development. I am working as a life coach and not as a counselor or therapist.

My approach integrates elements from:

• psychological foundations such as personality development and relational dynamics
• client-centered communication inspired by Carl Rogers
• solution-focused, short-term coaching approaches
• communication models based on Schulz von Thun
• practical, non-clinical elements inspired by behavioral and schema-oriented concepts
• body- and resource-oriented practices, mindfulness, and guided imagery
• systemic thinking, self-reflection, and ongoing professional supervision

In addition, I have completed certified trainings in:

• Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg)
• supportive work with challenging and unhealthy relationship patterns
• Behavioral and Schema Therapy (in a coaching context)
• reflective work with personal dreams, used as a tool for self-awareness and insight

I am not a licensed psychotherapist and do not provide medical or therapeutic treatment. I do not diagnose mental health conditions. If professional medical or therapeutic care appears necessary, I am happy to refer you to trusted professionals.

How Does Life Coaching Work?

The coaching process begins with an initial session where we explore your concerns, goals, and expectations. Based on this, we develop an individualized coaching approach tailored to your needs.

Regular sessions provide a protected space to reflect on your topics, gain new perspectives, and explore meaningful next steps at your own pace.

Topics You May Want to Explore

You may choose to bring questions such as:

• Do you often feel overwhelmed or under constant pressure?
• Do you notice recurring challenges in your relationships?
• Are you looking for new ways to navigate professional demands?
• Are you facing an important life decision and feel unsure which path to take?
• Do you feel stuck and wish for a fresh perspective?
• Would you like to strengthen your self-confidence or handle conflicts more constructively?