My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Kathleen Donhardt

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

I had been looking for something to study within the areas of alternative health. When I received the information about the Coaching Certification and started reading through, I could feel my heart and soul stirring in ways that held me captivated to keep reading. The more I read the more I believed I had to consider this opportunity very seriously. I’d had my own life experiences of not being able to lose weight and I felt there was a deeper reason that I needed to explore and find out. It just felt right to do this course to help myself and maybe even be able help some others. As time went on during the Certification Training, I felt more and more inspired and passionate about being part of significant change with people’s health and wellness.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

No other work I’ve ever done has nourished me in ways that this work does. What I love most is that I get to be totally myself, I learn new things all the time, I get to go all around the world with my clients who travel as they love that they don’t have to find a new coach every time they move somewhere new. Every day I get to reinforce what I believe, which in turn supports me to live in my authenticity. I get to connect with people all over the world in ways I’d never contemplated and have made some amazing connections and friendships. I get to support others to heal their past, learn from adversities, live their truth, and be self-empowered with their life and their health and often without debilitating medications and systems that keep them dependent and powerless.

What does your practice look like?

I work with clients (male & female) mostly over Skype and other video technology or phone. I have a strong focus on self love practices and specialize in areas with trauma related weight gain, weight loss, and digestive issues. I have quite a few clients who travel a lot and like working with me using technology, because it means they can continue with their work on self, without having to find a new coach every time they move.

How did your education at the Institute prepare you to work successfully with clients?

It gave me a much deeper understanding of the bigger picture in this field of health. The modules specific to men, women, and working with clients, including the bonus business module, was really helpful also. Marc’s examples of working with clients, the challenges, the way through the challenges and the additional tips and information has been great for confidence and a deeper belief. There have been times when I have started to doubt my ability of which direction to take next, and the quiet voice of Marc is there in my ear reminding me to take a breath, relax, and trust the answer will come. It really does unfold that way. There are so many resources and deeper information in specific areas of health and wellness to prepare in working successfully with clients.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

The downloadable audios have been wonderful to have and replay. I also loved how beautifully and carefully we were matched up with a ‘buddy’ to share and learn with, if we opted for that opportunity. Having said that, I loved every aspect of this Training and was very grateful with how easy and smooth it was in its entirety. It doesn’t seem to matter who on staff I’ve interacted with, they’ve all been faultless in their professionalism along with honest, supportive, and encouraging.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted your professional life/financial well-being?

It has given me a career that is very much reflective with my own personal beliefs and philosophy. I really do believe I’ve found my purpose in life, or it found me. I’ve never had aspirations or dreams of a specific career. But, the moment I clicked on the final assessment, my life flashed before me joining all the dots and I knew without any doubt that this was my calling and this is what my entire life and experiences had been preparing me for. I’m still building my business organically and exploring strengths and specific directions to head in, while continuing with my own ongoing healing as I go. Even though this is my work and my business, it’s not ever about the money as the priority. I do many hours of free coaching as well, to give back to the world in voluntary ways, and I’m just as nourished whether people are paying or not. Becoming a coach in this field has further given me the belief and trust to let go of jobs in government and toxic work environments, which were becoming detrimental to my health and wellbeing in many ways.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

I have discovered my true calling and purpose in life, or maybe it discovered me as I mentioned previously. I get to reinforce daily everything I believe in. Working ‘online’ and for myself allows me the flexibility to work even when I’m travelling, if I choose to. The clients I attract are always perfect to teach me more about myself and my own journey in life as much as I am able to help them. Although I have been involved with personal development and healed a lot over an 18yr period, doing this work has taken me to a much deeper levels of healing, beyond anything I could have imagined. This continues in exciting and fulfilling ways.

Home really is where the heart is; I can be almost anywhere in the world and still do my work if I want to and there is something quite liberating and freeing about that.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

As I continue to change, grow, and evolve, so will my work as a coach. I am looking at various ways that I can reach out and support the part of the population that is caught up in systems and beliefs that hold them back, leaving them powerless with their health, more vulnerable and unhealthy.

I see my future as an Eating Psychology Coach extending into public forums, speaking about my own personal experiences. I plan on sharing more about why and how Eating Psychology more specifically is a different approach when considering health on all levels. I want to keep giving more hope to people who are starting to wake up and look for alternative choices. I want them to be empowered with those choices and decisions in all areas of their life.

Why Would You Recommend the Training to Others?

I totally believe in the Training based on my own experiences. The standard of the Training is faultless, the information really is cutting edge, there is an abundance of support and tools provided, and the networking opportunities are amazing. I never believed I could study anything online or out of the formal classroom, but this Training had me captivated and hungry for more from day one. The more people we can have out in our communities sharing and supporting and helping others with this mission, the sooner we will continue healing on a global scale. It’s time to drop the old outdated ways that we already know don’t work and start looking more closely at this well researched information. For anyone already working in this field, this Training will add a unique edge to be able to really help clients and community have better health.

Anything else you’d like to share?

This has connected me with people all around the world in ways beyond my wildest imagination. I have never felt so much a part of the rest of the world, outside of Australia, as I have since signing up for this. With all that’s happening around the world with general health, obesity and mental illness, I truly believe this is the work that already is and will continue to make a difference in the lives of people. This work really does help people heal in deep and life-changing ways.

NAME: Kathleen Donhardt
BUSINESS: Passionfulfilled-Your Eating Relationship with Self Love

BIO: My personal life experiences once tormented and trapped me into a life of self loathing, sabotage, yo yo dieting, continual weight gain, loveless and abusive relationships with myself, family, friends, colleagues and life in general. As a young single mother feeling abandoned by the world, I’d sunk to a depth of despair with choices to ponder. I could remain a victim to life and end it all. Or, I could find a way to climb out of the hole, heal my wounds, learn what I can and start living my own truth and thus create a life I looked forward to living. I’m grateful I made the latter choice, which has led me to where I am today. Through forgiveness and understanding of the experiences I believe I attracted on a soul/spiritual level, I have found gifts within me, which have provided me with such an appreciation for a richness of my life. Almost 20yrs ago, I took that first step to getting help and embarked on a journey of personal development. Learning how to heal myself and move from a life of fear into a life of love and self- acceptance on every level of mind, body, heart, and soul. I’m excited to be nurturing my own life experiences, along with what the Eating Psychology Coaching Certification has also taught me, into a space where I can help others in a supportive and safe environment with an individualized approach.