What Clients are Saying

As we slow down a bit and settle into the season, I wanted to share an update from Bolster Coaching. I had a deeply meaningful school year working with teens and young adults ages 14 to 24 who came to coaching for a wide variety of reasons: social anxiety, academic overwhelm, executive functioning support, goal-setting, future planning, and more.

Some of my clients wanted to feel more comfortable socially. Others needed systems to stay on top of grades or to sustain their success once they got there. Many were managing the stress that builds up when things pile on and progress feels stuck. I also supported young adults navigating major decisions about college, career, and identity.

What united them all was a willingness to learn about themselves and put that insight into action. Coaching creates a space for reflection, growth, and momentum, and I’m continually honored to hold that space.

Below, I share some powerful reflections from youth and parents that I've worked with this past year. I share this not to publish my praises, but to illustrate how coaching is about holding a nonjudgmental, unconditionally supportive space, asking powerful questions, and eliciting ideas, insights, and action steps that are coming from the client.

What Youth Clients are Saying

“I had someone to talk to who was outside of my daily life and gave me direction as I moved through some of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It was really easy to talk to you and feel like you cared about what I had to say, which makes a huge difference, especially for young adults. You helped me find my own solutions instead of telling me what to do.” Maddie age 18

“You encouraged me to be open and honest in a totally judgment-free atmosphere. That made a big difference.” Client, age 20

“At first, I thought it was annoying when you answered my questions with more questions, but I realized it helped me figure things out for myself. That’s what made the coaching so helpful. Coaching impacted my life in so many ways. I was lost, insecure, and stuck in a cycle of negative thinking. Now I feel confident, positive, and proud of who I am. Anna helped me with time management, values, and so much more.”  MQ 17

“I came in needing help staying on top of my schoolwork and figuring out my next steps. I got the support I needed and a clearer understanding of what I want moving forward.”  Ash, age 20

"Your coaching has really helped me understand and communicate how I’m feeling, and you always give really great tools and practices to use when I’m feeling a certain way. Talking to you has always felt easy, and even from the first or second session I had with you, it was no struggle opening up. For example, when we had a session focusing on the topic of stress, and feeling overwhelmed, I was given lots of resources on how to manage it, and I learned more about when those feelings come on. You’re nonjudgmental and a very trustworthy person, and your sessions are always engaging!" Client age 15

What Parents are Saying

“Having someone outside our family helping my kid stay organized took so much pressure off me. We have more quality time now that I’m not constantly managing school stress.You consistently and lovingly held my kid accountable while being responsive and flexible. You shielded me from the angst, which was HUGE. You’re a true member of the village it takes to raise a young person.” Parent of a 20-year-old

"Anna truly impacted our child and our family in a profound way. We had hit a wall multiple times in trying to assist our kid the best way we knew how, but she needed Anna’s guidance and support to fulfill her goals. She learned how to best schedule her time, follow through on assignments and commitments, and reach her goals. Stepping away was the best thing we could do for her success and the success of our parent-child relationship." Parent of a 17-year-old

"We found Anna at a precarious time for our teen, who was struggling academically and socially. Around that time our teen was also diagnosed with anxiety. Anna was a breath of fresh air for our teen who really benefited from her tools, coaching, and just being a wise caring adult that they could talk to and trust. Anna was a significant part of our teen working through a tough couple years and landing really well just in time for senior year!"  Parent of a 17 year old