Karoleen D trauma coach logo

Coaching to get unblocked and move forward

I work with professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who feel blocked in clarity, confidence, purpose and productivity.

These blocks happen when your nervous system protects you…

But that protection isn’t helpful if it happens constantly and keeps you from moving toward what you desire.

Perhaps you’re reading this because you’re a fellow survivor of abuse… 

And you’ve learned how trauma can manifest as patterns and behaviors you picked up to protect you from danger.

Or perhaps you’re NOT aware that challenging events can lead to protective patterns… 

But you FINALLY want to stop feeling blocked in your life too.

Either way, I can help.

While processing past events is important and helpful…

Identifying and working with your protective patterns that resulted from these past events are what truly help you get unstuck.

In fact, the ways trauma manifest can be difficult to identify sometimes.

Patterns like procrastination and imposter syndrome – which are considered common in our society – can be linked to past experiences.

Trauma can also manifest as chronic pain, insomnia, and other physiological conditions that can make day-to-day life difficult.

So no matter how challenging past events might have felt for you…

We want to befriend the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself…

And increase your mental and physical ability to manage present-day challenging situations…

So you can create NEW patterns and behaviors that move you toward the ideal life and career that you truly want.

Let’s do this together.

Apply for Coaching

What exactly is trauma?

Trauma is what you experience mentally, physically and emotionally as a result of a traumatic events. Trauma isn’t the event itself.

So, traumatic events like childhood physical/sexual abuse can influence…

…your mental/physical condition, and your thoughts and feelings about yourself and the world around you.

This leads to choices you make and actions you take today that can impact your future.

So, traumatic events like childhood physical/sexual abuse can influence…

…your mental/physical condition, and your thoughts and feelings about yourself and the world around you.

This leads to choices you make and actions you take today that can impact your future.

The impacts of trauma can be difficult to identify sometimes. However, even patterns like procrastination and imposter syndrome – which are considered common in our society – can be linked to childhood experiences. Trauma can also manifest as chronic pain, insomnia, and other physiological conditions.

Why work with me?

Working on goals in isolation can be discouraging and exhausting especially when the persistent feelings of shame and self-doubt can so often stop us in our tracks.

I know that feeling very well, and there were times I believed something better simply wasn’t meant for me. But I don’t believe that now, and I don’t believe that for you either.

Unfortunately, the daily experience of complex trauma survivors isn’t often understood, so my aim is to take that understanding and reflect back the strength and power I see in you. It may not feel like you have that strength and power now, but you do.

Using mindfulness, polyvagal-informed tools and trauma informed coaching, we can identify what keeps you stuck and create a path forward together.

And having come from over a decade of design and research to help individuals and companies strategize their next moves, I know a thing or two about taking complex info, teasing out meaningful nuggets, and helping you craft your authentic path forward. 🙂

We can explore how to...

  • Get in touch with your emotions and intuition so you can define your purpose.
  • Be your authentic self in your life and work.
  • Navigate challenges and life transitions.
  • Fully self-express and set boundaries confidently at work and in your relationships.
  • Say no to burnout and create a balanced life that’s in line with your values.
  • Release creative blocks and move forward with your businesses, projects and passions.

I will...

  • Provide a safe space. All information you share is 100% confidential and I will take in your words with empathy and a listening ear.
  • Guide you. You are the leader of your own life, and you already know the answers in your heart; my job is to help you unlock them.
  • Tailor my work to your unique needs. Everyone has their own goals and life experiences, so we’ll work together to co-create what works best for you.

I will NOT...

  • Try to fix you. You are not broken, and you never were.
  • Assess (nor assume) your past, process your trauma or diagnose mental illness. Coaching is not therapy.
  • Push you before you’re ready. You lead, and I partner and strategize alongside you.
  • Judge you. You’re a whole human who deserves respect.

What can we do together?

Working on goals in isolation can be discouraging and exhausting especially when the persistent feelings of shame and self-doubt can often stop us in our tracks.

I help you to reconnect with your body, befriend your emotions and regulate your nervous system through polyvagal-informed tools, trauma informed coaching, parts work and somatic practices.

These methods go beyond your mindset and cognitive brain so you can break through the surface, address the root cause of what holds you back, and experience lasting change.

Here are some things I’ve helped my clients do that you can, too…

Get crystal clear on your purpose for your life and career

Feeling lost or tired of what you’ve been doing for years?

It’s time to stop living life without a map.

Together, we can design your life with the right combo of intuition and strategy.

No more shooting in the dark.

You’ll finally learn how to make everything you think and do lead to your ideal life.

Manage burnout or procrastination at work

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Got a giant to-do list but can’t manage it, or even start?

I know the feeling. I worked a corporate career in UI/UX design for over a decade, most recently as an Associate Director for one of the biggest consulting firms in the world.

Designing the unique things you can do in and around you to get unstuck can change the way you live and work forever.

 

Become a better, stronger leader in your role

The best teams have the best leaders.

The best leaders are collaborative, empathetic, regulated AND get the job done.

From public speaking to negotiating…

Time management to conflict resolution…

We can craft what it takes for YOU to be your best as a leader for the teams you support.

 

Transition to a new role, job or career

Unknown waters can be scary to explore, but certainly are an adventure.

I’ve worn many hats in my career… following the flow of what moves me AND what the world needs.

From creating websites in boutique agencies… to designing and researching software for buzzing NYC startups…

And now copywriting and coaching to support mission-driven businesses and individuals…

Learning to be resourceful and courageous has helped me create an exciting “portfolio career”.

You can do the same.

Go from full-time work to starting your own business

Curious about breaking out on your own?

I can relate to the big jump from full-time work to freelancing to building a business that fuels my creativity and passions.

Today, I get to help others while living around the world, and I want to help you create that freedom too.

Together we can identify what you want to bring to the table…

Design your business around your values…

And help you take the right action steps to build something that truly aligns with you.

Create habits and systems you'll actually stick to

So much of coaching is about helping people get what they want.

But what happens after you get it?

How do you keep it going?

This is where a lot of coaching falls short.

With trauma-informed coaching that focuses on the body and nervous system regulation…

I’ll help you develop YOUR unique habits and systems…

So you can continue being productive, focused and joyful…

Even when the scary challenges of working on your dreams show up.

You’ll be ready.

Let's work together

12-Week 1:1 Program

Compassionate coaching in a non-judgmental space, so together we can work on goals that are uniquely tailored to you.

Waitlist is available.

– A complimentary 1-hour Discovery call
– Weekly 50-min 1:1 coaching calls with me via Zoom for the 12 weeks
– Lifetime access to supplemental video lessons
– Structured weekly exercises and assignments to put this work into practice in between sessions
– Unlimited email support Mon – Thu

Apply for Coaching

This 12-week program is a time for us to work solely on you.

Each week unfolds as a journey with themes and supplemental video content, so you have solid structure. You’ll also work personally with me each week so you get the individual attention you need to meet your unique goals.

We’ll focus on nervous system regulation, values-based goals, identifying and living your purpose, and trauma informed methods for addressing productivity, habits, boundaries and more.

I’ll help you gain more clarity on your life and career path and strengthen skills that improve your work and relationships.

This is for you if…

You’re ready to get out of your head and into your body to define goals for your life that are truly aligned with you.

You want to take steps forward in your self-discovery so you can create major change in your career and relationships.

You want to stop playing small and fully go after what lights you up.

This is NOT for you if…

You’re looking for a shortcut.

You just need quick tips and tricks.

You’re not in a place to do deep work, and challenge the thoughts and beliefs that don’t serve you.

Apply for Coaching

Program begins June 28. Limited spots available.

Email karoleen [at] karoleendcoaching [dot] com for more information.

Apply Today

Who I've worked with

drawing of various people who have worked with a trauma coach including an artist painting, parents, young adults, and entrepreneurs

Whether or not you’ve experienced traumatic events that are affecting your life today, something in you has been holding you back. That’s ok, because you’re human! 

I celebrate your desire to make a change and I also commend you for all that you’ve done to live the best life you can so far, especially if you’ve experienced painful events in your past.

I’m honored to have had the experience of helping others move forward with grace and confidence. Some of the amazing people I’ve coached include:

  • High-performing professionals wanting to realign their careers
  • Creatives wanting to further their artistic pursuits
  • BIPOC wanting to find their voice in a challenging world
  • Parents wanting to balance passion, their relationship and family
  • Entrepreneurs wanting to step into their full confidence
  • Empaths wanting to embrace their emotions and vocalize their true spirit

Does this sound like you?

Apply for Coaching

A few words from my clients

Karoleen is an amazing coach! Her calm, grounded presence makes you feel comfortable right from the start. In our coaching sessions, Karoleen created a safe and trusting space where I could bring deeper issues to the conversation without feeling judged or embarrassed. Her skillful questions helped me explore problems in my life from different angles and together we worked through layers of emotions as well as thought patterns that were not serving me and replaced them with healthier and more resourceful approaches. Altogether, I had a very good experience with Karoleen and I highly recommend her as a trauma informed coach to anybody who wants to heal and create a better life for themselves.
Andrea, coaching client
It is amazing how much I achieved in the three months of coaching with Karoleen. Her gentle compassionate nature made it easy for me to be vulnerable, introspective, and get clarity on what is important to me. As a result of coaching with Karoleen, I was able to take critical steps toward career goals that felt overwhelming and impossible. Karoleen helped me calm my anxieties, question my self doubt, and inspired me to break through my limited thinking and create the career that I am now totally in love with. I am eternally grateful!
Lora, coaching client
Karoleen is a caring, patient and thoughtful coach. Throughout our coaching dialogue, Karoleen attentively listened to my feelings, needs and desires. I felt heard and encouraged. The questions Karoleen asked me were provoking and effective, and the coaching guidance she gave me was helpful and practical. By the end of our conversation, I was able to gain a better understanding of what I was actually looking for, and worked strategically to build a useful action plan to achieve my working goal. I appreciate the engagement Karoleen provided me, and recommend her coaching services to anyone who looks to connect, improve, and build.
KG, coaching client
What I really enjoyed about working with Karoleen was her presence. I recall how I felt with her: peaceful, safe, grounded, clear, and hopeful. She intentionally creates a space that allows those emotions to be realized. My biggest takeaway was "I am enough" just as I am and "I am capable" to respond to my life. I am more confident about my ability to navigate all the "unknowns" that still exist around an imminent life transition. Karoleen helped me to identify tools that I can use to restore and/or recreate the peace, clarity and groundedness that I often experienced in our space. In one session, she captured some of the key attributes and values, that I identified about myself and my work. Her ability to listen and mirror back to me a myriad of beautiful "golden nuggets" was awesome. I recently reflected on the list and was able to use it as a source of inspiration and reorientation of the truth about who I am. Karoleen is trustworthy, authentic, and operates in integrity. She absolutely delivered on her promises to "walk along side of me... help me see... unlock the answers in my heart... co-create what was best for me". These are not just catchy words on her website. They are foundational values in her practice.
Shelly, coaching client
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A few words from my clients

Karoleen is an amazing coach! Her calm, grounded presence makes you feel comfortable right from the start. In our coaching sessions, Karoleen created a safe and trusting space where I could bring deeper issues to the conversation without feeling judged or embarrassed. Her skillful questions helped me explore problems in my life from different angles and together we worked through layers of emotions as well as thought patterns that were not serving me and replaced them with healthier and more resourceful approaches. Altogether, I had a very good experience with Karoleen and I highly recommend her as a trauma informed coach to anybody who wants to heal and create a better life for themselves.
Andrea, coaching client
It is amazing how much I achieved in the three months of coaching with Karoleen. Her gentle compassionate nature made it easy for me to be vulnerable, introspective, and get clarity on what is important to me. As a result of coaching with Karoleen, I was able to take critical steps toward career goals that felt overwhelming and impossible. Karoleen helped me calm my anxieties, question my self doubt, and inspired me to break through my limited thinking and create the career that I am now totally in love with. I am eternally grateful!
Lora, coaching client
Karoleen is a caring, patient and thoughtful coach. Throughout our coaching dialogue, Karoleen attentively listened to my feelings, needs and desires. I felt heard and encouraged. The questions Karoleen asked me were provoking and effective, and the coaching guidance she gave me was helpful and practical. By the end of our conversation, I was able to gain a better understanding of what I was actually looking for, and worked strategically to build a useful action plan to achieve my working goal. I appreciate the engagement Karoleen provided me, and recommend her coaching services to anyone who looks to connect, improve, and build.
KG, coaching client
What I really enjoyed about working with Karoleen was her presence. I recall how I felt with her: peaceful, safe, grounded, clear, and hopeful. She intentionally creates a space that allows those emotions to be realized. My biggest takeaway was "I am enough" just as I am and "I am capable" to respond to my life. I am more confident about my ability to navigate all the "unknowns" that still exist around an imminent life transition. Karoleen helped me to identify tools that I can use to restore and/or recreate the peace, clarity and groundedness that I often experienced in our space. In one session, she captured some of the key attributes and values, that I identified about myself and my work. Her ability to listen and mirror back to me a myriad of beautiful "golden nuggets" was awesome. I recently reflected on the list and was able to use it as a source of inspiration and reorientation of the truth about who I am. Karoleen is trustworthy, authentic, and operates in integrity. She absolutely delivered on her promises to "walk along side of me... help me see... unlock the answers in my heart... co-create what was best for me". These are not just catchy words on her website. They are foundational values in her practice.
Shelly, coaching client

Hear from Mark

Mark chatted with me about his coaching experience and how working on his nervous system helped support him in his work at Apple.

FAQ

My goal as your coach is to help you make positive change and take action in the present to set up for a great future.

As a trauma informed coach, I understand the nuances and challenges of living in the present with trauma and how it may show up in our coaching sessions. I take this into account when helping others, but unlike therapy, my work doesn’t involve the processing and resolving of trauma or traumatic events.

While coaching is effective on its own, it’s also a really beneficial complement to therapy.

If you have some awareness and insight of your patterns already and would like to seek out strategies and tools for accomplishing your goals, coaching can be a great fit for you. We’ll assess what you want to create for yourself, what’s holding you back, and how you can move forward.

Coaching is not a good fit if you are currently experiencing a crisis. My recommendation in this case would be to work with a trauma informed counselor or therapist.

Unfortunately, no. Insurance does not cover coaching.

CPTSD stands for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It results from repeated experiences of traumatic events, such as physical and sexual abuse, childhood trauma, bullying, narcissistic abuse, neglect, etc.

Symptoms are similar to PTSD (flashbacks, hypervigilance, etc.) and also include additional symptoms such as poor self-esteem, lack of identity, and difficulty regulating emotions.

Though CPTSD isn’t currently an official diagnosis in the DSM, many trauma survivors (including some of my clients) resonate with this condition.

While I’m passionate about helping fellow complex trauma survivors, being one is not a prerequisite to work with me.

You have the power to decide whether you identify as a trauma survivor or not. You also have the power to decide when and with whom to share your story.

The most important thing to look for in a coach is whether you feel safe with them, and safety is very important to me.

If you feel ready to work in a goal-oriented way, to create new habits, and identify + pursue what lights up you, get in touch so we can see how we can move forward together!

You can email me at karoleen [at] karoleendcoaching [dot] com.

Having trouble making a big decision?

One example of how survival mode can make life difficult is that it can keep you from making confident decisions.

Don’t waste another minute pacing back and forth in your head…

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Coaching is not a replacement for counseling, medical / psychiatric treatment, or any form of therapy. Please speak with a medical professional or therapist if you need help with a medical condition. Coaching is a process between coach and client in which we discuss goals and strategies related to topics such as work, relationships, family, health, business, and your interests. How you decide to incorporate coaching principles into your life is your choice. While I do my best to support all my clients in our work together, no results are guaranteed. Coaching services and content on this site are provided by Karoleen D. Coaching, an entity within KD Art and Design LLC which is a New York limited liability company. 

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