About Dinah & Red Lotus Coaching

Who, Why, What, Where, and When

Who is Dinah?

Hi there,

You're here for a reason, and it’s more than just browsing my site.

Let me share a bit about my journey that led me to this point. My life story has had its share of challenges and growth.

Growing up in an unhealthy environment where heavy drinking and constant criticism were prevalent, I learned early on what it meant to live in survival mode. I developed a tendency to overachieve and became preoccupied with others' opinions, which kept me trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and dysfunction.

As I transitioned into adulthood, I struggled with being emotionally available. Suppressing feelings of shame and fear of vulnerability, I found myself isolated and caught in superficial relationships. The stigma around seeking help only added to my sense of being lost and broken, while perfectionism and people-pleasing became my coping mechanisms. Despite appearing outwardly "normal," anxiety and depression were ever-present, and toxic relationships seemed all too familiar.

Over time, I sought relief through various means—whether it was alcohol, cannabis, or staying excessively busy. These methods offered temporary escape, but the underlying issues persisted.

Then something shifted.

I realized that healing demanded two essential elements:

Awareness and Accountability.

I often joke that it's the other AA, as both are crucial for deep transformation. By becoming more self-aware, I began to ask myself, "How much do I truly want to change?" and, more importantly, "What steps am I willing to take?" With clarity and commitment, I took responsibility for my past choices and embarked on a new path.

I learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. This journey allowed me to release emotionally draining relationships and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to life. Now, I prioritize my well-being while also supporting others in a more meaningful way.

Now, let's focus on you. What drives you, and what might be holding you back? How can your unique strengths help you achieve the life you’ve envisioned? What truly matters to you?

Together, we’ll build new habits, harness your inner strength, and open doors to your dreams. You have incredible potential within! I’m here to guide you every step of the way as you pursue the vibrant and fulfilling life you deserve.

Welcome to Red Lotus Coaching!

Why I became a Life Coach?

Transforming Numbers into Lives:

My Journey from Accountant to Life Coach

Welcome to a story of transformation—a journey that took me from the world of financial data to the heart of life coaching. Although this shift might seem surprising, it was a step in the right direction that stemmed from a deep need for meaning and genuine connections. I’ve navigated the rigorous demands of passing the CPA exam and meticulously crunching numbers, but to be completely honest, the work didn’t resonate with me. Ironically, it's my husband who handles our taxes!

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more I wanted to contribute in a deeper way—something that went beyond balance sheets and profit margins.

The turning point came when I began reflecting on my own life and the lessons learned along the way (often through challenging and painful experiences). I realized that the times when I grew and changed the most were when I faced personal problems and overcame obstacles. These experiences made me want to help others in their own search for self-discovery, courage, and fulfillment.

I soon discovered that the skills I developed as an accountant weren't limited to financial analysis. The keen attention to detail, strategic thinking, and effective communication that defined my accounting career could be leveraged to guide individuals towards their dreams and ambitions. This insight marked the beginning of my transition from a numbers-focused role to a vocation centered around people and their personal growth.

But this change wasn't just about skills; it was about a personal calling.

I chose to become a life coach because I firmly believe that genuine happiness comes from helping others.

Recognizing that each person’s path is unique, my accounting background provided me with an organized approach to problem-solving that I could adapt to help people achieve their goals.

As a life coach, my work is complete when I help my clients experience events that reveal their true selves—those who seek to express themselves authentically and live fully. Celebrating their wins, supporting them through tough times, and witnessing their progress all affirm that I’ve truly found my purpose. Even though my path took an unexpected turn, it aligns perfectly with my values and goals. Transitioning from an accountant to a life coach isn’t just a career change; it reflects my commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, one coaching session at a time.

Your transformation starts here and now, and I’m excited to support you along the way.

What?

Frequently Asked Questions

Holistic life coaching is an approach that centers on your personal development and overall well-being. It sees you as a complete individual, encompassing your mind, body, emotions, and spirit, all woven into the tapestry of your life experiences. Genuine well-being isn't solely about achieving external success; it's about nurturing your inner peace, self-acceptance, and the joy that comes from living a fulfilling life. This journey takes into account the connectedness between your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. The goal? To guide you toward a harmonious balance and a life that's filled with purpose and satisfaction.
A: Therapy and life coaching serve distinct purposes. Here are three key differences:
1. Focus and Purpose:
• Therapy: Therapy, often referred to as counseling or psychotherapy, primarily focuses on addressing emotional, psychological, and mental health issues. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health disorders, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. The goal of therapy is to promote healing, alleviate distress, and improve overall mental well-being.
• Life Coaching: Life coaching centers around personal development and growth. Coaches assist clients in setting and achieving specific goals related to various areas of life, such as career, relationships, health, and personal fulfillment. The emphasis is on enhancing motivation, building confidence, and making positive changes to achieve desired outcomes.
2. Approach to the Past vs. the Future:
• Therapy: Therapy often delves into the client's past experiences, traumas, and unresolved issues. Therapists help clients understand the root causes of their current challenges by exploring their history, emotions, and patterns of behavior.
• Life Coaching: Life coaching primarily focuses on the present and future. Coaches work with clients to set and achieve specific goals, emphasizing actionable steps to create a better future. While some exploration of the past may occur, it is typically limited to identifying strengths and resources that can be leveraged for future success.
3. Scope of Issues Addressed:
• Therapy: Therapy is well-suited for a wide range of mental health concerns, including diagnosable disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Therapists are trained to provide interventions that address complex emotional and psychological challenges.
• Life Coaching: Life coaching is more oriented toward personal development and goal achievement in various life areas. Coaches help clients navigate issues related to career transitions, work-life balance, relationship improvement, and achieving personal aspirations, but they are not typically trained to handle severe mental health issues.
Holistic life coaching beautifully complements other therapies or treatments, providing a strategic approach for personal growth and empowerment. This collaborative approach unleashes your potential and moves you one step closer to achieving your goals with renewed energy.
A: Get ready for meaningful conversations as I guide you through an inspiring expedition of self-discovery, goal-setting, and personal development. Your first session will involve a client intake process, during which is where I get to know you, your background, and your initial goals. Building on that foundation, I will then create a personalized roadmap that could include a mix of discussions, practical exercises, and visualization techniques. You'll be astounded by your own strength and it is my goal to make you realize the power that has always existed within you.
A: Embrace my coaching program's flexibility, which is tailored to suit your needs and goals. Whether you're looking for solutions to specific challenges in just a few sessions or you want ongoing support over a longer period, I adapt to foster your journey of growth and progress. Your goals, your pace, your transformation.
A: All payments for my life coaching sessions are non-refundable. During our time together, I’m committed to providing outstanding value. In the event that your circumstances change and you are unable to attend the sessions, I offer the option to transfer your booked sessions to another individual who could benefit from my coaching services.
Your progress is essential to me, and I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.