Needing some help navigating life's challenges?

I wanted to share with my readers a little about my coaching services.

“Our dreams and stories may contain implicit aspects of our lives even without our awareness. In fact, storytelling may be a primary way in which we can linguistically communicate to others—as well as to ourselves—the sometimes hidden contents of our implicitly remembering minds.

Stories make available perspectives on the emotional themes of our implicit memory that may otherwise be consciously unavailable to us.

This may be one reason why journal writing and intimate communication with others, which are so often narrative processes, have such powerful organizing effects on the mind: They allow us to modulate our emotions and make sense of the world.”

― Dr. Dan Siegel, The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are

Tenderly Transformed Coaching offers services to people who desire inner transformation. Maybe you want help developing a plan or acquiring tools to help you heal and grow. Perhaps you’re facing a difficult life transition. People seek help for a variety of reasons.

My name is Susan Kuenzi, MS, and I worked in the counseling field after getting my masters degree in 2000. I have always been intrigued by the stories people share with me. From a young age, I have had a desire to encourage and strengthen others during tough times in their lives. I understand the impact of trauma and how life can wear a person down.

After leaving a larger agency, I had a private counseling practice and also offered training for professionals and organizations on topics like Compassion Fatigue (also known as Vicarious Trauma) and Resilience, or Adapting to Change and Loss Associated with Health Issues or Disability.

Are you feeling stuck in some area of life? Are you weary and facing a major life transition? Have you experienced a major loss or change in health? If you're looking for help as you navigate life's challenges, feel free to get in touch. I work with a limited number of coaching clients at a time so that I can give them the individual attention and the help they desire.

I enjoy helping people create a wellness vision so they have a sense of where they'd like to be as we work towards their goals. If you're feeling stuck or struggling to make changes in your life, feel free to talk with me about whether my services might be a good fit.

I have experience working with neurodiverse relationships and I’ve assisted people with a wide range of health conditions. I have a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Oregon University in 2000. I have over twenty years of experience assisting others, and I love helping people heal and grow.

I am skilled in the Life Model, Immanuel Prayer and Immanuel Journaling, as well as Healing Timelines. I have seen God bring powerful healing and change to the lives of my clients, and love accompanying people into His Presence for help.

While I have worked in secular settings, and I’ve worked with people with all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs, I never underestimate the power of a person’s spiritual life. I enjoy helping people deepen their spiritual lives. I know firsthand how powerful faith can be, and personally I can’t imagine navigating life’s tough times without God’s help. I honor people’s process and individual journey, and certainly respect their beliefs. I don’t view my job as convincing others or “selling” anything…but I do offer a gentle invitation to explore what each person believes and what gives their lives purpose and meaning or an anchor to hold onto when life gets really rough.

I love integrating brain science with faith as I help people move towards creating a healthier, more fulfilling life. I have specialized in grief and adjustment to challenging health conditions or disability in the past, and I understand what it's like to live with a challenging condition myself. I’ve had multiple sclerosis for many years, and as a rehab counselor I helped many people regroup and consider their options vocationally as they adapt to a life changed by limitations. I recognize that unacknowledged grief is a source of stress. I help them regain their balance so that they can re-engage with life, despite the changes and losses they have faced.

I’ve worked with very challenging situations. I know firsthand the importance of pacing, grieving losses and changes, setting realistic goals and asking for help when you’re living with tough health conditions.

I have done workshops for Commission for the Blind and Vocational Rehabilitation and other agencies on Adjustment to Change and Loss Associated With Health Challenges or Disabilities. I’ve been a keynote speaker at a Caregivers Conference. My talk on Caring for the Caregiver was well received. I did a presentation to a group doctors at Fudan University Hospital in Shanghai on the topic of The Essential Nature of Hope & How to More Effectively Communicate with Patients Whose Illnesses are Difficult to Diagnose. I have led retreats about self-care for professionals, and I’ve enjoyed helping organizations consider their wellness culture and how to strengthen workplace fulfillment and harmony. Participants loved the practical resources I developed and our interactive discussions. On a more personal level, I started offering Quiet Retreats years ago as a way to create space to spend time with God and to just be still and enjoy His Presence and love.

I often meet with clients in my backyard office, but I'm also happy to arrange tele-health appointments using a secure platform. I don't bill insurance. Clients can either pay by the session or purchase a coaching package. My motivation isn’t to earn money. I do this work because I love to help others. As I mentioned before, I only see a limited number of clients at a time. I am also working on a book, and only work part-time.

However, I'd be glad to discuss rates and availability if you're looking for some assistance. I'd be honored to help you. I view my Substack newsletter as an avenue to connect with others and to hopefully provide content that strengthens and encourages readers. I’m also open to feedback or ideas on things you’d enjoy discussing, or topics you’d like to read about.

Thanks for being part of this community where you’ll find a bit of joy and hope distilled onto the page. When life gets bumpy, we all need support and love.

I love helping others create a better story, and when necessary I blow on the embers of hope until you can see past the present trials and approach life with your heart engaged again.