Coaching Journey

About my coaching journey ...

There is a quote I love by Martha Graham, the famous choreographer. She says, “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy … that is translated through you into action; and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. You must keep that channel open. It is not for you to determine how good it is, or how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions. It is for you to keep it yours, clearly and directly.”

This is what I have worked on with my clients, my students and in myself for twenty-some years, to learn to let go of the criticisms and old patterns of thinking that interfere with seeing who we truly are. And to identify and use our passions, gifts and strengths in work and life. It has been richly rewarding and takes years off of the learning curve, but most important of all life becomes more meaningful and enjoyable. And we are able to serve others better through engaging in the process of getting coached ourselves.

Although I am now an educator of those in doctorate work, coach and consultant, I started my work as a psychotherapist in the 1980s. My mother and I had a private practice working with other mothers and daughters. We had to continually grow our own relationship and learn to laugh at the fact that we could both see the very same event completely differently. When I moved into leadership roles in behavioral health programs in Arizona I similarly found great joy in learning to develop high trust relationships which brought our teams not only an award winning level of service to others, but most importantly a deep sense of being supported themselves.

A lot of my learning over these years is that truly serving others requires renewal and my own inner work. I was blessed to have been mentored, and continuing to be mentored, by masters in the fields of psychology and leadership. My work is rooted in studying with Parker Palmer and in approaches such as appreciative inquiry, organizational systems work and development of learning organizations, positive psychology, Strengthsfinders, and Heartmath. I have a background also in Eugene Gendlin’s focusing through work with John Welwood and Ann Weiser Cornell. And Robert Greenleaf’s servant leadership through studies with Ann McGee Cooper, and I studied with Edith Stauffer for 25 years in her work with unconditional love and forgiveness based on the teachings of Roberto Assagioli’s Psychosynthesis.

I am always seeking to give back the amazing gifts I have received. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do so through coaching. I am happy to answer any questions you may have by email at info@reflective-leadership.com. Email me at any time and I will send further information.
 

About Deborah

Deborah Welch, Ph.D. founded Reflective Leadership Global which is her coaching practice centered on reflective practices to renew, access wisdom, and grow your strengths.