We recently connected with Lindsey Carson and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsey , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
In coaching, rather than prescribing solutions, we guide clients to uncover their own insights and take action based on their inner resources. However, there are instances when offering advice can be beneficial, especially when clients are receptive.
Previously, I worked as a health coach, assisting clients in cultivating healthier habits to enhance their overall well-being. One particular client struggled with fibromyalgia and felt disconnected from her body. She also faced severe gut issues and had attempted various diets and protocols in search of relief. Often, individuals in the health sphere tend to rely solely on external expertise, losing touch with their own intuition and sovereignty. This reliance can lead to a never-ending cycle of health protocols and the pursuit of perfection.
With this client, I aimed to help her reconnect with her body’s wisdom. I posed questions such as “What feels good for you?” and “What foods nourish YOUR body?” I encouraged her to make choices from a place of self-love rather than fear. Over time, she became more curious about herself and her body’s needs. By trusting her inner guidance while remaining open to external advice, she found a balance. This “yes, and” approach allowed her to honor both her intuition and external knowledge.
Ultimately, she learned to listen to her body and make decisions aligned with her well-being. This shift in mindset led to a reduction in symptoms and a deeper sense of self-trust. By embracing her internal wisdom and remaining open to external insights, she discovered a path to greater health and well-being.
Lindsey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My path to coaching wasn’t a deliberate choice but rather a response to life’s challenges. After college, I was struck by severe health issues that left me bedridden and unable to function normally. This forced pause compelled me to reevaluate my lifestyle, particularly a stressful job in NYC, an unhealthy relationship with food, and unresolved emotional trauma. Despite the confusion and fear, I pursued alternative healing methods, realizing that my physical symptoms were linked to a deeper disconnection within myself and from the natural world.
Through extensive research and personal experimentation with holistic healing, I not only found relief but also a profound understanding of the mind-body connection. This insight led me to recognize a societal gap in awareness regarding our relationship with ourselves and the planet—a gap manifesting in various health crises.
My coaching journey began as a response to my own healing experience and the desire to bridge this awareness gap. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Unlike traditional coaching focused solely on mindset, my approach integrates the wisdom of the body and its role in healing.
Central to my coaching philosophy is the understanding of trauma’s impact on our ability to move forward. I support clients in regulating their nervous systems, fostering presence, and nurturing self-compassion. This gentle approach, rooted in the principle of “easy does it,” allows clients to reconnect with their inner resilience and creativity, guiding them toward sustainable growth and well-being.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I once enrolled in a business coaching program aimed at helping coaches gain more clients and followers on social media. The program offered valuable insights and strategies, including a formula for growing a following and crafting messages to attract clients. While I learned a lot from the program, I also had to unlearn certain aspects to move forward.
One piece of advice that didn’t sit right with me was the emphasis on heavily marketing myself on social media. While I understand its importance as a marketing tool, the idea of conforming to the “influencer” model felt forced and inauthentic to me. Forcing myself to constantly post and sell myself on social media didn’t align with my values and often felt invasive and fake.
That said, I don’t discount the value of social media entirely. I still use it to market my business, but I’ve found a balance that feels right for me. Instead of following the crowd and mimicking influencer strategies, I’ve focused on posting, sharing, and marketing in a way that feels genuine and nourishing for my mind, body, and soul.
Additionally, I’ve realized that there are many other effective ways to market myself as a coach beyond social media. This includes attending events, forming relationships, networking in person, and trusting that the right opportunities will come to me naturally.
In essence, my experience has taught me the importance of staying true to myself as a coach and finding marketing strategies that align with my values and authenticity. It’s about striking a balance between utilizing digital platforms effectively while also exploring diverse marketing channels that feel right for me.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
In the coaching field, while training and knowledge are essential, there’s another vital component often overlooked: personal experience and ongoing self-work. While formal education provides a foundation, it’s walking the talk and doing the inner work yourself that truly sets you up to support clients effectively.
When you’ve personally navigated challenges and growth, you gain a deeper understanding of what your clients are going through. This firsthand experience allows you to empathize with their struggles, ask insightful questions, and provide meaningful support based on real-life lessons.
By embodying the principles you teach and continually investing in your own growth, you create a more authentic and trustworthy coaching presence. Clients feel safer and more supported knowing they’re working with someone who has been there themselves.
Ultimately, your role as a coach is to create a nurturing and empowering space for clients to explore and grow. Your own journey serves as a powerful example, inspiring them to take their own steps towards healing and transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: lindseybcarson.com
- Instagram: lindseybcarson
Image Credits
@emily.gass -> the incredible photographer that took these photos, she is amazing!!!!