Hello!

It's been a while since I've posted here, and since discovering that there are well over 300 of you following me, I want to introduce myself to all of you.

I named my work "To Life Coach" because "L'Chaim!" is a traditional Jewish toast literally translated as "to Life!". When I think of these words, I am reminded of Zorba the Greek's 'declaration in response to the question regarding whether he had ever been married: "...wife, children, house, everything. The full catastrophe!" Life is like that. All the ups and downs, the gains and losses, the joy and the sorrow of human experience - they are all part of life.

I started my private practice,. Urban Revival Personal Growth Consulting, on Newbury Street in Boston, way back in the 1980s, when therapy was for those with "problems" and ordinary people with ordinary life challenges had nowhere to go for professional support. I had spent the first part of my career as an English teacher working with students in traditional high schools, alternative high schools, and colleges in and around NYC and later, Boston.

I have always considered myself an educator - using the origin of the word,"educe" - meaning "to bring out something latent" in someone. I have always believed that we humans have great inner wisdom, i.e., the abilty to tune in to ourselves, and find the right answer, path, action or decision for ourselves in any situation. My work as a Personal Growth Consultant has always been driven by my conviction that my role is as a facilitator, helping individuals, couples, families, know and understand themselves, their relationships and their places in the world.

Sometimes, it's about simply asking the right questions. Other times, it's telling a story to illustrate something. Lots of times it's about examining the stories we tell ourselves and others to determine the present accuracy and appropriateness of these stories. I think of myself as an equal collaborator with my clients (I don't have 'patients') not as an expert on anything other than myself. You will never hear me say, "that must be difficult for you" or "please go on" or any of the common platitudes I am used to hearing in traditional therapy. You are more likely to hear, "you must be kidding!" or "do you really believe that?"instead. Sessions with me are real conversations - with tears, laughter, relief and celebrations.

I am neither a traditional coach nor a therapist. According to the current understanding, therapists help patients explore their past in order to see where their issues come from while coaches focus on the future, on establishing goals and accountability. Most of my clients work with me long term, often on and off throughout many years. I work with couples I have known for over 30 years, and love the experience of evolving with my clients throughout life.

If you work with me you will be looking ahead to the future while examining the past when old patterns, beliefs and behaviors get in the way of personal growth.

I realize that my style is not for everyone. I work virtually on Zoom, and I. invite anyone curious to book a complimentary session to see if I'm the right fit for you.

There are 2 mottos that inform my work: The first, was by Charles Wesley Emerson, founder of Emerson College in Boston in 1878. It is:

"Expression necessary for Evolution"

The second goes all the way back to the Greek philosopher, Socrates, who said:

"The unexamined life is not worth living"

Both of these are foundational to my thinking and my work.

If these statements resonate with you, please reach out to me, Naomi@ToLifeCoach.com and let's see if I'm the right person to support your life's journey!