"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Welcome to MK Coaching
We can start new chapters in our life at any time. A new chapter in life begins with the willingness to let some things go, and in turn allow new potentials to arise. We all face constant change and uncertainty at times in our life, whether it be a chronic illness diagnosis, empty nesting, moving, a new relationship, etc. Often, these changes bring about feelings of being stuck, stressed, frustrated, tired, and overwhelmed.
Change is a reality of living, so it's important to remember that only you hold the power over how that change impacts your life. Who do you want to be in the next chapter? How do you want to show up? Can you accept the reality that change doesn’t always go as planned? You have all these answers inherently in your body. Let’s be curious, explore possibilities, find inspiration, and move forward with intention to realize your goals.
Michelle Kaufman
I am a certified life coach, para professional counselor, and facilitator working with both individuals and couples to navigate change and challenges in their lives. I am also proud to be a mother of two adult children, a wife of 30 years, a daughter of an immigrant mother, the youngest child with five older siblings, and a member of a huge extended family.
Diagnosed with three chronic diseases in the last 15 years, I have learned to navigate the unpredictable narrative of diagnosis, acceptance, and transition. Like most people, I was completely shocked by my first diagnosis of LADA, Late Adult Onset Diabetes. I thought I did everything right. I ate well, exercised, and kept my stress levels in check. Once I reached acceptance, I figured this was my destiny, and I could handle this one setback in my life.
6 years later I was diagnosed with my second autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis. A few years later came Osteoporosis. Through my own body and thought work, I was determined to not let my illnesses define my identity, and am now able to thrive in my "new normal."
As a certified life coach, I will partner with you to live an authentic life by finding your own wisdom and truth. I work with you to creatively support deep thought work, self-discovery, trusting your inner voice, and recognizing the messages and alarms your body holds. The outcomes of coaching will be foundations for personal change empowering you to live life with courage, purpose, and joy. You will find the best version of yourself even in these most challenging times.
about my story
Education, Certifications and Facilitations
- University of California Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Arts
- American Jewish University - Wagner Human Services Para-Professional Certificate Program, Mental Health Counselor
- Wayfinder Life Coach Training
- Successful completion of a 211-hour ICF accredited coach training program (ACTP)
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor - San Fernando Valley Counseling Center
- Certified Prepare-Enrich Premarital/Relationship Assessment Facilitator
- Facilitator Prepare and Enrich Couples Counseling - American Jewish University
- Certified Therapeutic Counselor, Our House Grief Support Center
“We must let go of the life we have planned so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
How can I help?
Imagine you are living your most authentic life, what would it look like? How do you want to be seen in your family and community? Who do you want to be at this moment and how do you want to show up? What obstacles are preventing you from accomplishing your goals? These are all questions we will explore together. I will show up with love and acceptance and teach you tools to move forward.
Chronic Illness
- Acceptance
- Separating your illness from your full identity
- Living with your diagnosis
Life Transitions
- Empty nesting
- Moving forward
- Relationship with yourself and with others
- Family dynamics
- Grief and loss
Limiting Beliefs
- Changing your interpretation of what “should be”
- Identifying the limiting thoughts and stories we tell ourselves
