Dr. Michelle Steffenhagen, ACC

I partner with people who feel stuck and crave something different from life. I work with people who want to live their lives on purpose.

About

It happens to all of us. Life gets overwhelming, and suddenly, we’re just going through the motions—feeling stuck, unsure of the next right thing. 

Through coaching, my clients gain clarity to navigate challenges, create a sense of direction, and live with intention. 

You can move forward with purpose, saving you time, money, and energy while reducing stress.   

Annie Dillard wrote, "How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.”
Are you ready to live your life on purpose? 



Packages

Exploration and Discovery Session

I offer free 30-minute exploration and discovery sessions that help you decide if coaching is a good fit. 
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First Coaching Session (sign contract in advance)

This link will prompt you to sign a contract and only needs to be used for your first appointment 
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Coaching Session (Ongoing)

Individual coaching session - this link can be used regularly to schedule appointments. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michelle's coaching philosophy?
Here is the short answer...

I believe you are full of potential and once you have clarity around your desired future (big or small intentions), you'll begin to see what it means to start making that vision your new reality.

I think understanding one's values is essential to knowing what matters most and how to live a 'good life'.

My job isn't to impose my values on you but to create space where we can both listen and increase clarity about what matters most to you.

And, I'll be honest about my bias - I think life is most meaningful when we live into our values and are able to give beyond our selves.
Does coaching really work?
According to the International Coaching Federation: ICF Global Coaching Client Study shows most clients reported improved work performance, better business management, more efficient time management, increased team effectiveness, and more growth and opportunities.

The same study found that coaching clients noted greater self-confidence, enhanced relationships, more effective communications skills, better work-and-life balance and an improvement in wellness.

Nearly 70 percent of individuals indicated they had at least made back their initial investment. The median suggests that a client who achieved financial benefit from coaching can typically expect a ROI of more than three times the amount spent.
I want a new job, is life coaching right for me?
It depends. While I don't solely work as a career coach, many times I support clients wanting to make a career change. Feel free to grab a free Exploratory and Discovery session and we can decide if we're a good fit for what you currently need.
What is Michelle's educational background?
I have my master's in Professional Mental Health Counseling and a second master's in Student Development. I graduated with a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership in 2021. My doctoral research focused on autonomous functioning and living with purpose.

I love learning about intentional changes that can influence our wellbeing.
What does "ACC" mean?
I am an Associated Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). That means I have done all of the training and testing that the ICF requires and I continue to be held accountable to their code of ethics.
What is Cultural Intelligence Coaching?
I am a certified facilitator and trainer through The Cultural Intelligence center. I work with individuals and teams to improve effectiveness in culturally diverse environments (i.e. anywhere and everywhere). Through assessments and coaching, I help individuals learn more about their behavior preferences and teams develop skills to relate and work effectively in the midst of difference.

Interested but don't think your team qualifies as being culturally diverse? I conceptualize culture pretty broadly and most people are surprised by how much they learn about themselves and their teams through this process.
What if systemic barriers keep me from being able to make the changes I'd like to make?
It is important to recognize that structural inequalities exist and those often create real barriers for people. I do my best to see you as a whole person and to meet you where you are at - as a coach, my role is to listen and ask questions not to give advice or assume I know what the entirety of your story or what is best for your life.
I'm not 'stuck' but I'm interested in improving my wellbeing.
One of my favorite topics - I teach a class all about wellbeing! We all have aspects of our live that could benefit from some tending - I'd love to help you explore what that could look like for you.
Do you give advice?
Nope.

Unless a client asks me to step out of my coaching role and into a consultant role.
What about faith?
My faith is really important to me. And, I let clients guide us in terms of the role faith will have in coaching.

If you're looking for someone to help you with spiritual discernment, spiritual direction may be a better fit. Feel free to grab a free Exploratory and Discovery session and we can chat more.
Is it okay to grab a free Exploratory and Discovery session and then not continue with coaching?
Yes! If you're considering coaching, let's do it!