Practitioner spotlight: Tricia G
Here we sit down with Tricia - Personal and Professional Development Life and Wellness Coach - where she shares with us how impactful it’s been to her own life to fully embrace who you are, realise nothing is permanent and trust that you are on exactly the right path for you.
How did you get into the world of well-being?
During my years in Learning & Development at PwC, I was fortunate enough to work on many of the firm's incredible Leadership Development programs. That's where I discovered, and fell in love, with coaching. Those programs all had heavy coaching components, so I was able to meet and build relationships with phenomenal coaches. As they shared more about their individual coaching journeys, the one common denominator I kept hearing was how satisfied and fulfilled each of them were with their work. I decided I wanted in on that!
What do you specialise in?
I really enjoy helping people who are stuck in some way. Perhaps they feel like something is "off" but they can't quite figure out what it is. Or, they know exactly what it is but can't figure out why or what to do about it. I also geek out over doing deep values work; exploring core values and then supporting them in making decisions that honour those. I also do a lot of work with the LGBTQIA+ community. As a loud and fierce Ally, I want to do everything I can to support those in that community, and that includes coaching.
Can you share your MYNDUP story with us? :)
I came across MYNDUP via a LinkedIn job post. The first thing that caught my attention was that MYNDUP was a London-based company. London is my favourite city in the world, next to Chicago where I was born and raised and currently live. The thought of working with a London-based company had me absolutely giddy! Once I started researching MYNDUP, and meeting some of the team while being interviewed, it was clear that there was something special going on here. I decided I just had to be a part of the MYNDUP magic.
What’s one proven mental health tip or technique you’ve discovered and would share with others?
Stop and pay attention to what your mind and body is telling you it needs. If you need time to process and sit with some uncomfortable emotions, give yourself that time. If you feel physically exhausted but are guilty about taking a quick 30 minute nap, take the nap anyway. It sounds so simple, but we more often than not ignore the blaring alarms of our own intuition and needs. Take the time as everything else will still be there 10 minutes later.
What’s the biggest problem you see people faced with in the mental health industry?
For me, it's knowing that there are people out there who are in great need or could benefit from mental health coaching, or therapy, but don't have access to it or cannot afford it. It should be easy and effortless for everyone to get the mental healthcare they need.
What have been the most important lessons you’ve learned in your life?
The number one most important lesson I've learned in my life is to accept and fully embrace who you are, be it your likes, dislikes, the things that bring you joy or the work you want to do. We spend too much time and energy trying to fit ourselves into the "should" box and we miss out on the peace and flow of a life driven by want to's instead of need to's.
Tell us the most inspiring quote, book or movie you’ve read or seen.
I read a wonderful book last summer called ‘Maybe you Should Talk to Someone’ by Lori Gottlieb. Lori is a therapist who shares with readers her own unexpected life crisis while also sharing details about sessions with a handful of her clients. It is such an incredible book! I learned so much. Lori's writing is also casual and humorous, making it a really easy read considering some of the topics are heavy. I highly recommend it, especially to those who may have been considering therapy for a while but are fearful of taking the plunge.
What new belief or habit most changed your life in the last three years?
The belief that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and not so focused and attached to outcomes or how I'm going to get there. I've wholeheartedly internalised that everything is going to shake out in a way that will best serve me. If I trust in that, I can't make a mistake.
When you temporarily lose your focus or motivation, what do you do to bring your attention back?
I remind myself that this isn't permanent. I have plenty of opportunities to get myself back on track. I feel the feelings that come with the loss of focus or motivation - guilt, fear, frustration, etc - and just keep moving forward.
What’s the most meaningful impact you’ve made to someone’s life?
This is such a hard question to answer as we often don't know the true or long-term impact we might have made on our clients, unless they tell us. If I simplify this down, my mind goes to just being there on the other end of the video or phone when a client shows up to a session. Making sure they've felt heard, seen and that their feelings have been acknowledged and validated is crucial.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d tell your younger self?
You WILL get past the hard times to become the person you've always wanted to be. You WILL start to believe in your gifts and gain the courage to share them with the world. And, you will let yourself "off the leash" and start to live a louder life and become comfortable taking up more space in the world.
