All of you is welcome here

I want to take a moment to talk about what it means to offer an identity-affirming coaching practice. As a disabled coach myself, this is something that's really close to my heart. 

So, what exactly does identity-affirming coaching mean? For me, it's all about creating a space where every part of you is welcomed and celebrated. I know firsthand that for those of us whose identities are often marginalized, challenged, or carry extra weight, it can feel like certain parts of ourselves aren't always understood or acknowledged by the world around us. That's why I'm committed to making sure that in our work together, all of you is seen, valued, and affirmed.

Navigating the world with a marginalized identity can be really freaking hard. It's exhausting and isolating at times, and we might feel pressure to hide or minimize parts of ourselves just to be accepted or respected. But in the coaching space, I reject that notion. I strive to create an environment where you can show up fully as yourself, without any fear of judgment or discrimination.

This means I acknowledge and honor all the intersections of your identity - the ways in which your race, gender, sexuality, ability, class, and other aspects of who you are overlap and shape your lived experience. These identities aren't separate from your goals, dreams, and challenges; they're an integral part of them.

As a disabled coach, my practice is deeply informed by a disability justice lens. This means I recognize disability as a natural part of human diversity, not something to be "overcome." I celebrate the ways that disability can offer unique perspectives and strengths. I'm also keenly aware of how ableism intersects with other systems of oppression, creating unique barriers for disabled people with multiple marginalized identities. 

In practical terms, a disability justice coaching framework means I'm committed to accessibility and flexibility. I don't assume what access needs you might have; I ask, and I do my best to accommodate them. It means I'm not here to push productivity at all costs or uphold notions of "overcoming" disability. Instead, I'm here to support you in living a life that feels authentic and nourishing to you as a disabled person, as it shows up for you. If you’re not disabled or don’t identify that way, what a disability justice framework means is that however you show up in this space, - whatever identities are important to how you move in the world - are held with empathy and compassion. It means I will not flood you with toxic positivity; it means I can meet you where you are and support you as you make empowered choices that are right for you and your personal context.

I'm also committed to fostering my own critical consciousness: continually doing the work to understand my own identities, how I do and do not hold power and privilege, and how I can be held accountable and work for change. Part of that work is showing up for my clients in an empowering way, to name the dynamics in our space, and to co-create a relationship that disrupts typical power dynamics. I'm comfortable to have tough conversations, and I'm here to support you as you navigate the realities of your lived experience.

At the end of the day, my goal is to co-create with you a space where you can bring your full self - the joyful parts, the painful parts, and everything in between. I want you to feel seen, heard, and valued for exactly who you are. Your identities aren't a barrier to be "overcome" in our work together; they're a source of strength, wisdom, and resilience.

You deserve a coaching space that honors your full humanity. In our work together, every part of you will be welcomed and valued.