Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
As a clinical psychologist, I have dedicated years to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges with empathy and expertise. But, as the world changed, particularly post-COVID and the needs of women struggling with burnout became more apparent, I felt compelled to explore a different path.
For years, I witnessed the toll that perfectionism and burnout took on my clients, particularly women who juggled endless responsibilities while neglecting their own well-being. Despite the progress made in therapy, I realized that many of these women needed more than just clinical interventions – they needed guidance in rediscovering their values, cultivating mindfulness, and skills to contour their lives into something that brings them joy.
The decision to transition to life coaching perfectionist and amitious women was a tough one! It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving behind the familiar terrain of clinical psychology, and embracing a new role that was both exciting and uncertain. There were doubts and fears along the way – doubts about whether I was qualified to offer coaching, and if the women I hoped to work with would find value in what I had to offer. Ultimately, I saw coaching as an opportunity to leverage my expertise in psychology while integrating principles of values clarification and mindfulness into my practice, offering women a comprehensive toolkit for overcoming burnout and living a fulfilling life.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, times when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. However, as I began working with my clients as a life coach, I witnessed the profound transformations that took place. I saw women break free from the contraints of perfectionism, rediscover their values, and cultivate a deep sense of self-compassion and resilience. The rewards are in the work I do and the women I work with! Looking back, taking this risk brought me closer to my true calling, allowing me to serve a community of women in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a life coach specializing in helping ambitious and perfectionistic women reclaim their joy and create meaningful, values-based lives. My journey into this field began with a deep understanding of the struggles that perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies can bring while working as a psychologist for nearly twenty years. As a clinical psychologist, I received in-depth training and experience in treating clients struggling with a range of diagnoses and symptoms. Over time, I learned that I had a special interest in working with ambitious women whose perfectionism led to burnout and a less-than-satisfying life. Not only did I find that I love to work with this type of client, but I discovered I had a talent for helping them overcome burnout and living a valued life all without giving up their ambition!
It was when I recognized that my skillset in working with perfectionist women was something unique, that I founded Mindful Contours Coaching, I offer in-depth, personalized 1:1 coaching both locally in San Diego and virtually worldwide. What sets my services apart is the individualized feedback and skill-building I provide which is tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. Together, we explore the root causes of perfectionism and people-pleasing behaviors, understand how they impact every aspect of my client’s life, and build a plan together to overcome burnout without giving up on ambition. My coaching goes beyond surface-level fixes, delving deep into values, mindfulness, and self-care to create lasting change. It’s something that I truly don’t believe group coaching or lock-step coaching programs can achieve. Each client I work with has their own life story, their own struggles, and own goals. Therefore, they need their own coaching program.
My coaching sessions are designed to help clients define their values and identify any mismatches between their values and actions. From there, we work collaboratively to make tangible changes that align with their desired life paths by setting boundaries, being mindful about choices, and practicing self-care so that clients can shape their lives to be what they truly want.
What I’m most proud of is the transformation I witness in my clients. Seeing them break free from the grip of perfectionism, embrace their authentic selves, and create lives that truly reflect their values is incredibly rewarding.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I could go back, there is only one thing I would change. My decision to move into life coaching has been incredibly rewarding, I only wish I had started sooner. If I could go back in time, I would encourage my younger self to trust in her instincts and pursue this path with confidence. After all, the advice I now share with my clients – about setting boundaries, clarifying values, and celebrating their unique talents – is advice I wish I had received earlier in my own journey.
Life coaching has allowed me to leverage my ambition and passion for helping others in a way that aligns with my values and brings me immense joy. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of guiding women toward a values-based life, where they can thrive authentically and joyfully. It was through building my coaching business that I was able to practice what I preach and contour my own life to match my deepest values and desires.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
My almost two decades of working as a psychologist have given me a great advantage as a life coach. Beyond being well-seasoned in working with clients who are struggling, my extensive training, experience, and research as a licensed psychologist are deeply infused in my work as a coach. Therapists are natural life coaches as so much of what we do is helping people overcome difficulties to live the life they want.
Throughout my years as a therapist, I have developed a profound understanding of various mental health concerns. This insight allows me to recognize and address the underlying psychological factors contributing to my clients’ feelings of overwhelm and burnout. I am well-versed in identifying thought patterns, behavioral triggers, and emotional blocks that may hinder progress which means we then have the ammunition to make effective change. Further, my background as a therapist has instilled in me a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health. By integrating my knowledge of holistic wellness practices, such as mindfulness, self-care, and self-compassion, I can support my clients in restoring balance and vitality to their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: mindfulcontourscoaching.com
- Instagram: @MindfulContours
Image Credits
None, all taken by me