Dr. Kristi is both a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Life Coach. She received her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University where she focused on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused techniques, and has over 15 years of experience in life and career coaching. She incorporates mindfulness training into her coaching, and is very strengths-based in her approach. Most coaches are not also psychologists, and many of Dr. Kristi’s clients have found that knowledge to be very helpful in achieving their coaching goals.
Whether someone wants to change careers, become the best at the job they already have, or start their own business, career coaching helps them to develop an action-oriented plan to reach their goals. Dr. Kristi has worked with everyone from people just starting out in their careers, people getting back into the work force after a break, successful executives who realize they want to do something entirely different, or people of all ages who still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up.
Outside of coaching, Dr. Kristi is also a published sci-fi author who had made many appearances at conventions such as Comic Con and she loves working with creatives of all kinds, and has helped authors, musicians, actors, and artists take their skills to the next level. Dr. Kristi lives in sunny Colorado with her fabulous husband, amazing kids, and behaviorally-challenged dogs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COACHING
Here are some commonly asked questions about life coaching, career coaching, and other coaching services. Have more? Email Dr. Kristi at drkristi@mindfulcareercoaching.com.
What is coaching and how is it different than therapy?
As a licensed clinical Ph.D. psychologist, Dr. Kristi has experience with both therapy and coaching, and though she solely does coaching now, she incorporates some cognitive-behavioral techniques into her coaching. While therapy tends to focus on processing feelings that are usually related to past or present events, coaching is more future-oriented and goal-focused. Basically, coaching involves first finding clarity regarding a client’s goal and then breaking that goal down into action steps to get from point A to point B. Coaching is very solution-focused and requires a lot of energy, so if someone is experiencing a significant amount of depression or anxiety, then therapy is recommended first so that you have the energy to devote to coaching.
However, some people have a low level of anxiety or depressive symptoms simply due to not being in their dream job or living their ideal life, so some of Dr. Kristi’s clients work simultaneously with therapists. Rather than a traditional therapist role, a coach’s job is to give you tools to create your ideal life and to provide accountability for you taking those steps. Dr. Kristi considers herself part task-master and part cheerleader. The accountability and clarification pieces are why many people get stuck trying to make changes on their own. Everyone needs help at times and it’s a sign of strength to reach out when you need it!
Am I a good candidate for coaching?
Life/career coaching is good for many people, including the following: 1) those who have a specific goal (e.g. organize their home, write a book, get healthier, change careers, find a relationship, start their own business) but feel like they haven’t been able reach it on their own, 2) those who feel “stuck” and know they want to do something different with their life but don’t know what, 3) those who dislike their current job but don’t know what to do about it, and/or 4) those who love the process of improving their life and are seeking greater fulfillment and happiness.
Coaching is not the right fit for someone who is currently struggling with significant mental health issues, such as severe depression or crippling anxiety. Some depression and anxiety is expected if someone is not living their ideal life, but if the symptoms are severe and impacting your ability to function in the world, then you would not be in the place to get maximum benefits from coaching. Instead, it is recommended that you get therapy and/or a medication evaluation from a qualified professional, and then begin coaching once you are stable with your symptoms. Dr. Kristi does not offer therapy, but can offer general recommendations on how to find a professional in your area.
What if I know I want to change careers but have no idea what I want to do?
That’s about 95% of Dr. Kristi’s career coaching clients, so you’re in good company! Dr. Kristi uses a variety of clarity-finding worksheets and exercises, as well as external career assessments and personality assessments to help you identify a career path that is rewarding and fulfilling.
How long does coaching take?
This is another big difference between therapy and coaching. Some people have told me they were in therapy for years … years! As coaching is very goal-directed and focuses on breaking down goals into achievable action steps, it is a short-term process; however, you can take the skills you learn and apply them to any future goals in life as well. If you go to the Coaching Packages Page you’ll see several 3-month package options. Some people love the benefit of having their own personal coach (such as the accountability part) or have ongoing business or life goals, and choose to continue monthly “check-ins” following the completion of a coaching package, but that is entirely optional and would be on a per-session rate after the package ended.
Do coaches have to be psychologists?
No, in fact, most are not. Anyone can call themselves a coach and, as of now, there are no national regulations as there are with clinical psychologists, though Dr. Kristi chose to obtain a professional coaching certification in addition to her rigorous license requirements as a psychologist. Licensed clinical psychologist have to pass multiple written tests and an oral test for our psychologist licenses, and continue to obtain continuing education credits each year. The benefit to having a coach who is also clinical psychologists, aside from the years of education and experience, is that psychologists are adept at addressing the underlying fears and obstacles that have stopped you from reaching your goals in the past…because if you’d already reached your goals, you wouldn’t be browsing here!
What if I don’t live in Denver?
No problem but it’s beautiful here so I hope you get a chance to visit sometime! Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, Dr. Kristi sees clients all over the world. She has coaching clients across the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and even South Africa. Basically, if you desire career or life coaching, and have a solid internet connection, you are all set!
What are your qualifications?
Dr. Kristi has her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado. She is also a Certified Professional Coach with over 15+ years of experience in coaching and is currently working on a coaching workbook. As far as other areas of interest, Dr. Kristi has several published sci-fi and fantasy novels (BURN OUT series: Egmont USA/Lerner Publishing; THE WING COLLECTOR: Dark Edge Publishing) and loves speaking about nerdy things like quantum physics and time travel at conventions such as Comic Con. You can read about her fiction work at www.kristihelvig.com. Additionally, Dr. Kristi is a certified Reiki Master, and is interested in how personal energy impacts one’s goals.
Is coaching expensive?
Coaching is an investment of your time, energy, and money in order to become the best possible version of yourself. It’s certainly cheaper financially and takes way less time than spending years and years in therapy! Creating your ideal career and life is well worth 3 months of your life. Life is short overall and Dr. Kristi wants everyone to be excited about the life they’re living. People most regret the things they didn’t try at the end of their life. What is the cost of spending another month, or another year, of being unsatisfied or unhappy? Make every second count and contact Dr. Kristi at drkristi@mindfulcareercoaching.com for a free consultation to discuss packages and convenient payment plans today.
Through the coaching relationship, Dr. Kristi can help you turn your dreams into reality!