Someone once said that there are two kinds of people: those who have a coach and those who think they don’t need one.

But all of us, at one time or another, have had that feeling that something in our lives needs to change. Sometimes events beyond our control shake us up, and we lose our bearings. Sometimes it’s us that changes, and the life we built around us doesn’t fit anymore. Sometimes our life reaches a natural turning point: graduation, marriage, parenthood, retirement. And sometimes we just get stuck, and we aren’t sure how to get moving, or where to go next.

When people reach a turning point in their lives, they usually know it. It’s a feeling in their bones, and a quiet, insistent voice in their heads. And really, it’s an invitation.

My job, as a coach, is to help you accept that invitation. It’s to help you figure out where you are, where you’re going, and how you’re going to get there.

Read more thoughts about life transitions:

Services

  • In-person and remote video coaching available

  • Career change, career choice and retirement coaching

  • Transition coaching for major life events and decisions

What Do Coaches Do?

The best answer is the simplest one: a coach helps you define your goals, and then helps you reach them. We do that in many ways. 

First and foremost, we ask questions. We ask the questions you may not think to ask, or may be ignoring or avoiding. Then we listen. We listen to the answers you give, and listen for the ones you withhold. We listen for your passions and priorities, your yearnings, and your fears.

It’s also important to understand what coaches aren’t: 

  • We aren’t psychotherapists. We don’t heal emotional wounds or treat mental illness.

  • We aren’t instructors. We don’t impart a body of knowledge to be absorbed and learned.

  • We aren’t consultants. We don’t present solutions to business problems.

Coaching is really about you. What do you want? Where do you want to go? Who do you want to be? My job is to help you figure that out, and get there.

Jeff Lee, MD is a coach, physician, writer, speaker and teacher. He provides executive, professional and personal coaching to adult clients of all ages. For over three decades, he practiced Family Medicine in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, the most diverse community, by primary language, in the United States. He is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Washington Family Medicine Residency. He has taught courses on memoir and life stories at Stagebridge Performing Arts Institute, Cazadero Family Arts Camp and the Northwest Writer’s Weekend. His column on parenting, “The Dad Next Door” has appeared monthly in Seattle’s Child Magazine for over a decade, and he has published a non-fiction book on parenting (Catch a Fish, Throw a Ball, Fly a Kite) and a middle grade children’s novel (True Blue).

Jeff Lee, MD is a coach, physician, writer, speaker and teacher. He provides executive, professional and personal coaching to adult clients of all ages.

For over three decades, he practiced Family Medicine in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, the most diverse community, by primary language, in the United States. He is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Washington Family Medicine Residency.

He has taught courses on memoir and life stories at Stagebridge Performing Arts Institute, Cazadero Family Arts Camp and the Northwest Writer’s Weekend. His column on parenting, “The Dad Next Door” has appeared monthly in Seattle’s Child Magazine for over a decade, and he has published a non-fiction book on parenting (Catch a Fish, Throw a Ball, Fly a Kite) and a middle grade children’s novel (True Blue).

“In big life transitions, when you’re trying to embrace change, you need both organized thinking and self-compassion. Jeff, with a style that’s gentle and creative, is really good in supporting that combination.”

— Leslie E, Seattle WA

 

“He helped me set boundaries and expectations. Jeff was a great coach and always available with sage advice and perspective."

— Julie H, Denver CO

 

“Jeff asks the right questions to shift perspective when helpful, he helps uncover and put into perspective the truths in the answers that emerge. He champions the pursuit of understanding that leads to enhancement...and always does so with an unflagging, natural sense of humor.”

— Karee W, Bellingham WA