Pamela,*  a mother of two elementary school children, was trying to establish herself after a divorce from her husband. She had had a rough childhood herself, and her marriage—although it had had positive aspects—had disempowered her also. However, Pamela was a survivor. She had the goals of getting a good job and finding a place where she could live with her two kids. She understood that applying herself and working on her beliefs about herself could bring what she wanted. Work with Glenn helped Pamela build belief in herself, avoid overspending when she got anxious, and not get involved in another unhealthy relationship. The work helped her to identify a career in catering, which she had some experience in. She enjoyed catering and had a natural knack for it. She advanced quickly when she returned to this work, and she soon had a place rented for herself and her two kids. She was picking out furniture for her children’s bedrooms when we finished our work.

Hank* had been a computer programmer and systems analyst. He had worked successfully for many years with prominent companies, financial institutions, and a prestigious university. When a contract ran out, he was laid off and he looked for work for months and months, in fact, for more than a year. He grew discouraged, his self-worth plummeted, and he became depressed. He isolated himself, sat around reading and watching TV, and only went out at night alone. He even thought of suicide. Another year passed. When he came to Glenn, he decided he needed to turn his life around. Glenn provided encouragement, new ways to look at his situation, and understanding of how he had gotten there. Glenn supported new strategies to get back on his feet, both social supports and ways to handle his job search. Hank put a new resume together and looked diligently for a job. He stayed in good spirits and was well on his way to new work and a new life.

Sue* was highly successful and well paid in her work. In her personal life, however, she was looking to improve her self-image, as a person and as a woman. She also wanted to change her relationships with others—her intimate relationships, her relationship with her adult daughter, and her relationships with friends. Glenn coached her through a difficult relationship with a man that proved transformative. Glenn also supported Sue in interactions with her daughter and helped her set boundaries with friends. By the end of the coaching relationship, Sue had discovered that “she mattered,” that she didn’t have to give herself away to others, and that all she had to do was to be responsible for herself. She found herself more at peace, was making choices more effortlessly, and was more in command of how she responded when somebody did something “that didn’t feel good.” Sue was dating an old friend who had long had an interest in her, but now she could be present with his caring and not let it scare her.

*Client names have been changed. Photos are not of actual clients. Photo credits: “Pamela” by Benjamin Earwicker, “Hank” by Cagatay Cevik, and “Sue” by Cécile Graat.