At yesterday’s CoachingPodclub, Tracey Lee and I explored and episode from The Coaching Studio. Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC’s conversation with Daniel P. Olexa, MCC, CIHt —a coach, teacher, author, hypnotherapist, and deeply insightful coach. Lyssa is such a wonderful, highly skilled interviewer, and together, they discussed coaching, personal growth, and the transformative power of conversation. It was like a firework of ideas!
Tracey and I discussed the nuanced interplay between the true self and the learned self, the boundaries between coaching and therapy, and the role of shadow work in personal development. Daniel’s perspective of deep exploration of the true self offers valuable insights for anyone interested in delving into the complexities of coaching and personal growth. Listening to the episode is highly recommended!
The True Self vs. The Learned Self: A Key Takeaway
One of the key takeaways was the powerful distinction between the true self and the learned self. Daniel and Lyssa explored how many of our behaviours, values, and identities are shaped by external influences. The real question is: How do we peel back the layers of the learned self to rediscover and embrace our true selves? This is a central theme that we’re excited to explore further.
Coaching vs. Therapy: Where’s the Line?
Another important discussion centred on where coaching ends and therapy begins. We talked about how coaching can incorporate shadow work—confronting and integrating hidden parts of ourselves—while still remaining future-focused and empowering. Using the analogy of potholes (a really helpful way to describe the difference between coaching and therapy I had heard on an episode by Tom Henschel in the Coaching versus Therapy episode of his Look & Sound of Leadership Podcast), we saw how coaches help clients navigate around obstacles rather than digging deep into the past.
Manifestation and Reframing: A Coach’s Perspective
We also explored the challenges of positive manifestation—how maintaining an optimistic outlook can be both powerful and difficult. A central theme was the art of reframing negative experiences, shifting perspectives to see opportunity where there seems to be loss.
Next Steps: Vision Boards & Venn Diagrams
As part of this journey, we’re challenging ourselves to create vision boards—a tangible way to explore our desires and aspirations. Daniel shared a fascinating thought about Venn Diagrams focus inward, examining what brings things together. However, in the context of collaboration, he envisioned a Venn diagram focused outward—asking, “What is the outer bounding circle of collective wisdom, and how do we pull it all together?” This, he said, is collaboration. If you’d like to see the graphic, you can find it on his website!
What aspects of your life reflect your true self, and what are remnants of learned expectations? We’d love you to join the conversation in our next Coaching PodClub session!
Join Us for the Next PodClub!
We’ll be meeting for our next PodClub session on 9th April, 7-8PM GMT. Bring your reflections, insights, and questions. We will be discussing an episode of the Changing Conversations Podcast with Jennifer Garvey Berger on Mindtraps.
We look forward to continuing the conversation with you!
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 