welcome to alchemy coaching

Get unstuck.

Life gets tough and messy. Everyone struggles from time to time. And often a little bit of support - a listening ear, connection, accountability - are all that are necessary to make profound changes in your life, wellbeing, and happiness. That’s where Alchemy comes in! Together, we’ll face these challenges and create something new.

That’s the magic of transformation.

Get unstuck.

our mission

is to help you get unstuck by inviting more mindful wellbeing in to every day life. We do this through coaching for individuals, couples, and groups.

 

individual

Our individual services are designed to meet you where you are. The Alchemy approach is non-pathologizing, meaning the focus is not on illness or disorder ("normal" is a setting on laundry machines!); instead our work will focus on building mindful coping strategies within a strengths-based, solutions-focused framework. Frequent topics include: career exploration and planning, setting and holding boundaries, self-esteem, mindful living, burnout care and prevention, and creating more fulfilling relationships. This work will increase self-knowing and compassion, enhance effective emotional management, and allow for a greater capacity for happiness in your life.


relationship

Alchemy relationship coaching is an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming approach to helping couples and polycules strengthen their relationship through a deeper understanding of habits and patterns of behavior, while building the skills necessary to set and hold boundaries, effectively communicate, and engage in emotional regulation. Relationships of all compositions are welcome.


groups

Shared accountability, connection, and collaboration are the foundation of our group coaching services! Various themed topics are offered throughout the year to help individuals support one another and share in personal accomplishments. Never underestimate the power of the collective!


Interested in learning more? Use the link below to set up a no-obligation consultation to discuss your journey to greater wellbeing. Let’s get started!


 

meet your coach!

courtney edwards, ms

Courtney is a former psychotherapist and board certified coach serving individuals in the Hudson and Rondout Valleys, and beyond.

FAQ

What is Alchemy Coaching All About?

The mission of Alchemy Coaching is to be with you as you uncover the magic of transformation. Through a holistic and wellness orientation, this work is designed for anyone who is feeling "stuck" - at home or work, in relationships, or in habitual patterns of behavior - and seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges we face. Our non-pathologizing approach is focused on skill building and strengthening the goodness already inherently within you. This work will increase self-knowing and compassion, enhance effective coping, and allow for a greater capacity for happiness in your life.

Coaching is not going to focus on your past, but will meet you where you are in the present moment. Coaching is not designed to “fix” you, but allows you to uncover the answers you possess but can’t quite see yet. Coaching is not a practice of ideas, but an active, collaborative solutions-seeking path forward.

Does Coaching Require Any Special Training?

This is a great question and an important one to ask! Did you know that most states (NY included) do not require any specific training or credential in order to call oneself a coach?

My initial training is as a counselor, and I have a master’s degree in that field from Pace University. This is what allowed me to work as a psychotherapist, as well as to hold many of the positions in higher education that I’ve had throughout the years.

When I decided to focus my work in coaching, I completed an ICF (International Coaching Federation) approved training program. However, you may have noticed that my credentials include “BCC”. This stands for Board Certified Coach, and is earned through the Center for Credentialing and Education. I chose to become a Board Certified Coach because the training and preparation for this certification is designed especially for folks who already hold advanced degrees in mental health counseling, psychology, social work, and other related fields.

The BCC certification demonstrates to the public that a professional coach has:

  • Met educational and training requirements

  • Passed a psychometrically sound coach-specific examination

  • Obtained experience in the field of coaching

  • Professional peer references

  • Accountability to an enforceable ethics code

  • Commitment to continuing education

I have also completed certification programs in meditation instruction and relationship coaching. These trainings support the mindfulness work I integrate into my coaching and allow me to work with couples and polycules on building stronger relationships.

How Does Coaching Work?

Together, we will focus on identifying specific challenges in your life and addressing them with pragmatic solutions. I blend the practicality of coaching with my experience as a psychotherapist to help you better understand yourself, your environment, and your inner experience of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These insights lead you to lasting change.

Frequency and duration of the coaching relationship is determined by your specific concerns, needs, and preference. I see some clients as regularly as weekly, and some clients every month or so. Individual sessions are 50 minutes. Relationship coaching sessions are one hour and fifteen minutes.

Individual services are available in person or remotely. Relationship coaching is available in person only.

Who Do You Work With?

Coaching is suitable for a wide range of concerns including struggling with feelings of sadness, stress, and worry, low self-confidence, difficulties in relationships, or loss of enjoyment in life. Clients in search of a holistic approach can access methods infused with traditional psychology and counseling as well as Eastern and Buddhist thought, and other branches of spirituality. Additionally, individuals who identify with the following may also find this setting helpful:

  • trauma survivors (including those with high ACEs scores)

  • parents of children with disabilities

  • members of the LGBTQIAA+ community

  • single parents

  • individuals in non-traditional relationships (i.e. open, polyamorous relationships) or those seeking a sex positive and kink-allied environment

  • ACOA or those in codependent relationships

  • anyone seeking affirming and inclusive care from a culturally sensitive perspective

Relationship services are best fit for couples (polycules included) who are seeking greater connection and the skills to limit challenging behaviors. Skills development will focus on communication, boundary setting, and effective problem solving. Couples can be at any stage of their relationship. All genders and sexualities are welcome.

Coaching is a different approach to wellness. By recognizing the challenges in our world today, this approach centers your intrinsic goodness, potential, and wellbeing. We will work together to tap into the strengths, skills, and assets you already have to put you on a path toward a brighter tomorrow. You will become a friend to yourself.