In this episode of the Coaching Business Spotlight Fall series, host Kat Knecht kicks off a discussion on the essential role of storytelling and personal experiences in coaching. She is joined by Arjan Makar, a life and relationship coach, who shares her transformative journey after unexpectedly losing a partner. Together, they explore how relationship coaching not only aids in healing but also fosters personal growth. Through their conversation, they explore the power of storytelling and reflection, emphasizing that coaches don’t need all the answers but must ask the right questions. Arjan explains how heartbreak can serve as a catalyst for transformation, helping individuals gain confidence and self-awareness. The discussion highlights the importance of setting boundaries, knowing your core values, and the crucial role of support in personal growth and healing.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of coaches sharing their own stories to connect authentically with clients.
- Heartbreak and other challenging experiences can be powerful opportunities for personal growth and transformation.
- Coaches don’t need to have all the answers; asking the right questions is key.
- Healing from past wounds can open individuals to deeper love and fulfillment.
- Knowing oneself, including values and weaknesses, is critical to building meaningful relationships.
- Cultural and familial influences often prevent people from truly knowing themselves.
- Support systems, including coaching, are vital in helping individuals live more authentically and align with their values.
- Setting boundaries can actually enhance intimacy in relationships.
- The process of transformation often requires allowing oneself to feel pain deeply rather than avoiding it.
- Reframing negative experiences helps individuals see their strength and courage instead of focusing on perceived failures.
Arjan Makar has a BA in Cultural Anthropology and draws upon culture as a context for how she sees relationships and the human condition.
In 1995 she became a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher and continued her study of the body/mind connection by getting her license in Massage Therapy from NY State, eventually becoming faculty at the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She has completed all of the CTI training in coaching and Leadership, including the 10 month leadership program, in July of 2024. Arjan believes that relationships are the most fertile place to evolve, gain awareness and healing.
She has a private coaching practice and she leads a 3 Week Women’s Workshop called “Your Relationship Foundations Course” where women are encouraged to learn more about themselves in service of having better relationships.
