INTERVIEW WITH KAT

Kathryn (Kat) Kirkwood – Mentor and Personal Coach

How did you come to Mentor/Coach individuals going through various transitions in their lives?

It may be best to answer that question by first telling you about a defining moment and circumstances that brought me to where I am today in my life and to being a Mentor and Personal Coach.

In 2008 when I was working in Canada for my current employer that I had been with for 4 years and was extremely successful with. That year ended up being the worst year yet with my mom and her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She is now bed ridden with MS and is in and out of the hospital every 6 months to a year for many years now.

That year she spent about 6 months in the hospital and for me it included an emergency trip home where I had prepared myself for her to pass on. She had pneumonia, had stopped breathing on her own and also had orders for a Do Not Resuscitate. Fortunately, some powerhouse antibiotics and my moms strong will to go on pulled her through.

The defining moment came in the middle of this when I had been having a particularly difficult time with her being sick and was crying nonstop. I was on the verge of being diagnosed with depression if it did not improve soon. I got reprimanded a few times at work because my head was just not in it.

In that time I knew I had to make a major change and I realized that I was being called to greater things in my life. To my very core I knew I wanted to make a difference and support others that have gone through difficult transitions in there life like I have.

6 months later I moved back to the US and I began working with a Life Coach. I quickly realized that I truly did need to move on from my career. I began the inquiry of what is next for me? Through conversation and deep soul searching, I realized that coaching/mentoring was a perfect fit for me! I had after all majored in psychology and it fit perfectly with my desire to make a difference for people.

A few short months later, I turned in my notice of resignation for a position that had paid me more money than I honestly knew what to do with and I was doing it in the middle of our biggest economic downturn in many many years. All because I trust there is more for me out there and I am meant to be inspiration and support for others. And after all, we all can have the life we dream of!

What is your life like now?

While we always have room to grow and I will never stop pursuing personal development; I have never loved my life as much as I do now!

I spent a great deal of time working through things I had never dealt with in my life. I had a lot of emotional healing that needed to happen. I basically grew up with my parents being sick. My mom was diagnosed when I was 5 with MS and my Dad had his own battle with kidney failure when I was about 11. I have the most loving and gracious parents and brother but it still had its impacts.

I have had great mentors since I left my career and I have gained an unimaginable amount of power around the circumstances in my life and family. I used to shut down when I would talk to my mom, now I practically talk to her every day. I got my mom back! Around me my whole family is starting to get closer AND I have finally been able to create a long lasting romantic relationship with the man of my dreams. We are getting married in less than a year!! The greatest part of that is that we are creating the wedding of our dreams. That wasn’t going to happen – I was going to run away to get married with just my fiancé. I am smiling just writing this because it fills my heart with love.

A little secret, NONE of the circumstances with my family have changed. My mom is still sick, my Dad actually has started to have some really challenging health issues again, but the difference is ME and the tools I now I have to deal with it all. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments, but I can move through the challenges now with Power and Grace.

That is what I share with my clients – the tools to deal powerfully with whatever life throws your way.

What type of clients do you mentor?

I primarily work with women that are in some type of transition in their life. They are looking to create a life they are passionate about, one that is a full self expression for them – that may be moving to a new place, starting a new career, creating a long lasting relationship or healing one that they have been in for quite some time.

I am also passionate about working with family members of a person that is diagnosed with a chronic illness like Multiple Sclerosis.

Ultimately, my role is to guide you to a place of peace where the ego does not run your life and creating a life you are passionate about.

How are you different from other “Life Coaches”?

My personal experiences with extremely challenging life circumstances set me apart from many other Life Coaches. I have gone through what I mentor my clients on, and have come out stronger on the other side. I have the tools to do it and I have done it myself.

I also, have extensive training in various types of coaching programs and have worked with many different mentors. Not only do I have the training in “coaching methodology” but I have a strong background in the spiritual and emotional aspect as well.

Can you guarantee my success in your programs and what will be expected of me?

No I cannot. I will give you many, many tools and resources, encourage and hold you accountable, however you are responsible for your own success. You are ultimately responsible for the steps you take towards your goals. Therefore, I cannot and will not promise that a client will take any specific action or achieve specific goals.

That being said, if you remain “Coachable” and open, take actions we discuss, stay in inquiry, and participate fully, you will see significant results.

What can I expect from you?

• • To support you
  • To be judgment free
  • To create a safe space for you to grow
  • Te a source of inspiration
  • Be a kind and compassionate mentor
  • Be straight and honest
  • Hold you accountable to your word
  • To communicate clearly, effectively and in a timely manner
  • To give you tools and resources that compliments our discussions
  • To be there for you and what you need

What services do you offer? What is typically covered in your programs?

The main services I offer are in the form of programs that usually last about 90 days. You can see more information regarding these under the “Programs/Services” tab. While I do a session at a time, I highly recommend doing a program. A program will give you much greater results and really put you in the trenches of making transformations in your life. It also gives you a structure and a guideline of information to further guide you.

If you do not see something that suits you, please contact me as I also customize programs as appropriate. However, these programs apply to mostly everyone.

What is the difference between working with you vs. a therapist?

As your mentor, we would have a partnership where your dreams, desires, and goals are objectively supported and challenged resulting in a positive, forward-moving experience for you. I provide a confidential, judgment free atmosphere to deal with what you are dealing with and explore your authenticity, restore your integrity, and live a more fulfilling life.

The beauty in our partnership is that you have me there to cheer you on, support you and challenge you in order to create a life you love. I will not be there telling you how I think YOU should live YOUR life. The best way I heard it put recently is that a mentor is not paving the path for your life; they are helping you to remove all the obstacles along the path to the life you desire.

I do NOT provide therapy or counseling. I work with healthy individuals that are looking to make forward movements in their lives.

How would our sessions work?

Our sessions will be done primarily over the phone and you are responsible to call me. Most people have a very busy schedule and this allows much more flexibility to ensure that you have time for our calls. It also ensures that both of us are in a quiet place where we can focus entirely on the conversation with no distractions. Coaching can be done in person for a slightly higher price if appropriate and geographical location permits.

The calls are typically one hour, once a week. We would have 2 weeks on and then take a week break for approximately 90 days if you choose to move forward with one of the programs.

Kat, you are just who I have been looking for! How do we get started?

Great! I am honored that you have chosen me to be a part of this journey with you. Simply email me at Kat@PowerinFreedom.com with your name, phone number and the best time to reach you and I will contact you within 1 business day.

We will set up a Getting Acquainted Call to determine if we are a good match. From there we will set our first coaching call and discuss next steps.

Kat, I am just not sure yet if I am able to commit to this. How can I keep in contact with you?

I understand. We are the only ones that know if we are ready to have a mentor. Enter your name on the Home Page and I will have you added to my mailing list. When you feel you are ready, please contact me. However, if you would like to have a discussion to look at if you are ready, please contact me for a free “Getting Acquainted Call.” I will only accept you as a client if it appears to be a good fit for us both at the time.