Q & A

A: Let's get straight to answering the #1 questions all of you have! All life and career coaching resources/activities are FREE! Personal coaching for those needing more support is free as well. 

I especially encourage parents to reach out. The success of future generations depends on the choices we make for ourselves today!

As an NPO, we will accept donations, but it is not expected. Those donating will be provided with a donation receipt for tax purposes,

A: We believe that information should not be owned by anyone but freely shared for all to benefit and grow. We believe all are equal and deserve equal access to information, support, and healing. We believe in supporting our community with our professional expertise and personal experience simply because it is in our nature to do so. We believe the need and pursuit of money for personal excessive gain (especially the extorting others) is a sign of fear, insecurities, and trauma imposed by a culture based on control, competition, and comparisons. Culture is human-created; it is not natural. Our goal is to increase awareness to help people better deal with life's challenges, especially those who have limited support in their immediate environment. It's not their fault they don't have access to support, and they shouldn't have to pay when others born into better circumstances don't. We are offering the basic human right to social, emotional, and educational resources. Awareness is invaluable. You can't put a price on something that is invaluable.

A: You are a superhero! And I mean that quite literally. We all do the best with what we've been taught and been given ourselves in life. Sometimes we know it's not enough for what we want for our kids, and it takes a lot of courage to ask for help. It would be an honor to collaborate with you on ways to improve things and give them a better chance. Shoot me an email at ms.heather@reflectinginward.org or click on the Google Form link above, and we'll connect. 

A: Of course! However, I will need to contact your legal guardian so that they are aware that I am working with you. Your parent/guardian(s) will need to give consent. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are invited to review the Parental Consent for Coaching Form to review the agreement and email ms.heather@reflectinginward.org with any questions or concerns. 

A: Get to a safe location (friend/family/teacher/etc.) and call 911 (or your country's emergency number). If you are contemplating suicide, talk to a trusted adult or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (USA) as soon as you are in a safe location. If you can't think of a safe location, go to the nearest public assistance location (hospital, church, police, fire station, community center) and ask for help or call the emergency number.

Other options for free confidential assistance include:

Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741-741

notOK App: An app to get support via text, phone, or GPS location.

The Trevor Project: For LGBTQ+ youth (25 and under). Call 1-866-488-7386.

A: Great question! If you are an adult (or youth) check on the nearest public library or community center. If they limit times, explain what you're doing and ask what the best way to have an hour at a time would be (maybe they'll suggest certain days/hours or just give you an hour!). 

If you are a youth, check with your school librarian or computer lab teacher to see if you can have some time on the school computers either before or after school. Consider approaching a teacher to see if they are interested in hosting an after school club for personal growth and career readiness and use the school resources then. Also, talk to your teachers (especially advisory). Explain what you are doing and ask if you can use "free" time in class for the program. You can also check with the local Boys & Girls Club or YMCA (or other youth support center) to see what resources they have available.

As always, reach out if you need more ideas!

A: Excellent question! We can meet over Google Meet or Zoom or even just over the phone if it's easier. If your school has a career exploration course, and I am team teaching with your teacher or counselor, you may have the opportunity to have me in your classroom as a part of the career exploration process! If I'm not there, yet, tell your teacher or administrator that you're interested in having me come. Maybe even just for a Q&A Session or Motivational Talk in an assembly. 

A: If you feel comfortable doing so yes, but we don't have to. Please consider that your success in achieving your goals is determined by how honest you are able to be with at least yourself. I will frequently ask how something feels to you to gauge what we need to work on strengthening. This (although it may be uncomfortable in the moment) leads to you gaining the confidence you need to face your fears with courage and make progress toward your goals. Recognizing and understanding our feelings are the keys that help us move forward.

A: 1) Please fill out this form so that I can learn a bit about what you are looking for and make initial contact with you. 

     2) Click here to schedule an appointment to either Zoom/Google Meet or chat on the phone.

If you are a minor, your parent/guardian will need to give consent. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are invited to review the Parental Consent for Coaching Form to review the agreement and email ms.heather@reflectinginward.org with any questions or concerns. 

A: There is no program or process that is "one-size-fits-all." Individual coaching sessions help to really hone-in on your personal challenges and needs. However, I am not all-knowing. I may do research and need to refer you to another professional that can help you with your specific needs. This doesn't mean you are unable to succeed. It just means someone else might be able to help you get there better than I can for your needs. 

As mentioned in the "About" section, I am not a licensed therapist, social worker, or psychiatrist. I have limitations just like every other human being, but I am dedicated to helping you find resources that will help you find success- even if it's with someone else. Although I cannot guarantee you will get what you hope to get out of coaching, if you desire progress and are open, I can guarantee that you will get something beneficial out of the free resources and coaching with me. Be open to what can happen and the path it takes to get there. In my own experience, my life coach introduced me to the book Healing the Child Within and writing reconciliation letters. That's all I got out of our (very expensive) relationship, but it started me on the journey that got me where I am today. Never discredit small steps. Combined, they still get us to a destination.

A:  First, hit up our good friend Google and do some critical thinking. Who offers transportation in your area? Do they have city buses? Does the city offer free passes for students? How about to community centers you are a part of? For example, California has passed a bill that allows all people 25 and younger a bus pass to get to school, work, etc. 

A: Every session will be slightly different based on individual needs. After determining your goals for coaching, we will work on specific topics to meet your goals. You can expect some "homework" so expect to meet about once a week to give you time to seriously reflect on the homework activity. A session will be about 50 minutes long to check on progress and prepare you for next steps. Again, this is flexible and can be determined when we meet initially to discuss your coaching needs.

A: There is not a minimum age requirement. However, if you are under 18 years of age, your legal guardian must know you are involved in the program.

A: As a coach, it is my responsibility to make sure that what my students tell me is kept confidential unless they or someone else's life is in danger. However, for your safety as a minor, your parent does have a right to know what we talk about. I will be sure that I am as discrete as possible in sharing your progress and challenges and will encourage you to be the one to share your progress. This is an important safeguard to ensure that your guardian knows who you are in contact with, especially online. If your "secrets" have to do with abuse of any kind, please tell a trusted adult, and we will help you. If your abuser is someone who should be a trusted adult in your life, I will not report the conversation to them, but I am required by law to report the abuse to the proper authorities.

A: No on is too old to get career coaching/guidance. Whether you be in middle school, high school, a non-graduate, or have completed some or all university studies. We are here to help anyone who is interested.

A: I have experience helping students investigate their interests, strengths, and life goals to match with prospective careers. I will guide you through the process including helping you gain the social and communication skills necessary to gain the confidence to advocate (stand up) for yourself, pursue expert interviews (asking people questions about their jobs), job shadowing (watching people do their jobs), and apprenticeships & internships (hands-on experience) to see if a career is really a good fit before you invest time and money on it. After selecting a career, I help you to figure out how to get there including making a plan for higher education (college), technical trade school, or any other required training and prep you with application & essay writing & interview skills. I'm the whole package, baby!

A: You'll never know, unless you try. Sometimes we are afraid of trying and failing because it confirms our fears about ourselves. Other times, likely more than know, we are afraid of trying because we may succeed...and we don't know what to do if we actually succeed! If you believe you will fail, you will. If you believe you will succeed, you may need to observe why you are failing, make adjustments, change your plan, and keep moving forward several times before you succeed. Success isn't success because it's a guaranteed ending- it's success because we didn't give up. Share your concerns with me. Let's see if I can't help you see the positive possibilities before you decide it's impossible.

A: First, know that you do not need to share anything with me that you are not comfortable sharing. However, if someone is hurting you, please know that I am here to help you find resources and learn skills to live a positive, happy, peaceful, and fulfilling life. I am here to offer guidance on appropriate ways to interact with others and safeguard you as a human being who is deserving of a safe and respectful environment. 

A: As a life and career coach, I can help you with many of life's decisions and challenges. However, I am not a licensed therapist. I cannot and do not diagnose any mental disorders or prescribe medications. If you need help finding a professional in your area, please fill out the "Get Help or Ask a Question" Form under the "Contact" tab above, and I will make a recommendation based on your specific concern. Please be sure to mention what your concerns are so that I know how to best direct you.

A: I am excited that you are forward-thinking and wanting to improve your students' lives through my program(s). Please contact me via email (Ms.Heather@reflectinginward.org) with some background on your organization and what kind of outreach you are desiring. I will do my best to fit my training and resources to help you meet your goals. Thank you for your diligent efforts in supporting our children. Your love and dedication do NOT go unnoticed. I am here to support you in any way I can.

Potential Options:

• Faculty Professional Development 

• Team-teach for classroom implementation experience

• Addition of Career Exploration specials course

• After-school program or club sponsored by a teacher (coaching techniques will be provided)

• Classroom (or assembly) presentation on topic of school's choice

A: I'm so glad you want to help in this great cause to create a better future for our youth, their families, and all of society. There are many ways to help that go beyond monetary donations (although we are always grateful for those as well).

Community Members (everyone): 1) Encourage everyone to believe in their dreams and seek opportunities to reach their full potential, 2) Be prepared for youth to reach out to you when they are ready to interview, job shadow, or gain internship or apprenticeship experiences from expert community members in their field of interest, 3) Share our mission and website with others so they can reach higher also!

Secondary School Educators: If you are a teacher or administrator, you could- 1) offer an after school program or have an elective (or required) course as a part of the curriculum at your school, 2) encourage students you already know to participate in the program and be their personal mentor or subject tutor, which is much more effective since you already have a relationship of trust with them, 3) are you a homeroom or "Pride Hour" teacher? Give your students time to work on resources on this page, 4) volunteer to be a mentor tutor for a student whose career goals require a higher education but needs additional help in a specific subject in which you are proficient, 5) tell other teachers or administrators about us so that they can benefit from our resources too.

Universities: 1) Offer university student extra credit (or other motivator) to tutor a high school student in subject area of need. You could also offer to be a mentor in a skilled trade that you work in (i.e. mentor someone interested in welding if you are a welder).

Providers of Tutoring Services, Transportation, or Other Related Services: 1) Offer free services that might benefit those we serve.

If you don't see what you're seeking above, there are still many ways you can help! Please email me at ms.heather@reflectinginward.org.