Transitions coaching for those ready to begin the journey of inner healing, together.
Scroll to learn more about life coaching, mentoring, Healing Touch, and my areas of focus. Or, click one of the following to jump to:
Life Coaching
Working with a good coach has the power to be transformative.
I am truly passionate about walking alongside my clients as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. My services are for those who are ready to take a closer look at who they are, on the inside, to ask themselves the hard questions, and to un-tap their true potential. With my guidance, my clients learn the tools and strategies they need to conquer the transitions they are experiencing in life.
What I Do:
Whether we see it in ourselves or not, I believe all people have intrinsic value. That means even if you’re in the midst of a health crisis, a personal crisis such as a divorce, the loss of someone special, abuse, or an addiction, you have value. It’s been my experience that some of the most functional and healthy people speaking, writing, and working today have gone through their own “crucible” of testing and crisis and emerged on the world stage.
Malala Yousafzai: Survived a Taliban assassination attempt for advocating for girls' education.
Nick Vujicic: Born without limbs but became a motivational speaker and author.
J.K. Rowling: Battled depression and poverty before writing the Harry Potter series.
Maya Angelou: Overcame childhood rape to become a renowned poet and civil rights activist.
Arunima Sinha: She lost her leg in a train accident but climbed Mount Everest with a prosthetic limb.
There are other kinds of crucibles — divorce, loss of any kind, health issues, cancer, recovering from horrific automobile accidents, chronic pain, adult parent issues, financial struggles, depression, becoming a parent, or a single parent. I work with individuals committed to working through their own crucible, and not simply trying to find someone or something to blame for where they are. I believe the darkest challenges of life help shape us. I’ve seen it. It’s miraculous to watch people go from their lowest to their highest calling; whether they achieve any kind of notoriety or not, living well is the goal. I believe we all deserve inner peace and freedom from emotional and physical turmoil. I bring this practice into my sessions, both holding that peace and teaching my clients how to find it.
My Thought Process:
As a transitions coach, my primary goal and talents come from helping people along their chosen path — even to the point of helping them choose that path if they haven’t.
My thought process is “Define the issue or challenge first,” then we can work together to create a plan of healing or transitioning. We may use energy work, massage, sound, healing touch, practical cognitive behavior therapy steps, journaling, grief work, and trauma recovery. There’s no set pattern. Everyone is unique, and I approach my clients with that in mind.
During our first session, I want to get to know you - not just how society sees you (although that’s important), but how you see yourself. What are your dreams? What have you lost, or what are you about to lose? What have you always held onto? What do you see your time and work with me doing for you? Are you trying to release pain or some darkness you feel has grabbed onto you? We’ll discuss that during our first meeting and at subsequent meetings.
Healing Touch
What to expect with Healing Touch Work:
Touch work in my office in a chair or on the massage table. The client remains clothed and is usually lying face up. It’s a simple process. I enjoy hearing my clients report they feel better and more relaxed, and I’ve seen it do wonders in calming, relaxing, and helping people heal.
I offer this work in service to an Assisted Living facility, a Homeless shelter, for staff at a local hospital, to the class in trauma work, to cancer patients, to caregivers and any individual who feels they may benefit from it. Clients can receive Healing
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Healing Touch is a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. At its core, this approach recognizes that energy flows throughout our bodies 24/7 in a process called “life.”
Disruptions or imbalances in this energy can contribute to physical and emotional distress, or disease. Energy work restores that balance by encompassing a variety of techniques and modalities. The common goal is always to restore harmony and balance the body’s various systems within the individual.
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We are electric bodies. Read any high school or college biology text, and you’ll learn that every cell in our bodies is alive with electricity – the same kind of electricity that sustains life on all levels. Our bodies are not only made of electrical cells, they’re also capable of generating electricity. In fact, it’s this ability that is a key part of our health.
Electricity allows our nervous system to send signals to our brain – electrical charges that tell our cells what to do, that enable our muscles to fire and move, and every system in our bodies to allow this wonderful condition called “Living.”
As Joseph Mercola, M.D. said in one of his articles about the body, “Your biological clock even uses electrical activity in order to help keep your circadian rhythms in order. You are, quite simply, an electrical being. If electrical activity stops in your body, you cannot survive.”
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Long before Dr. Mercola understood the body was electric, so did Janet Mentgen, a Navy nurse. Janet was a practicing nurse for 43 years, first with the U.S. Navy, then as an emergency room nurse, and then as a home health care nurse.
Along the way Janet too noticed the body was not only electric, but influenced and even healed by a proper electrical balance. The more she learned and practiced influencing the body’s natural electrical field, the more she learned that her touch could heal. In 1989, Janet formally created Healing Touch as an energy medicine program.
“It began in 1990 as the Healing Touch certificate program sponsored through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) coincided with the providership of continuing education for nurses by the Colorado Nurses Association. In 1993, certification of Healing Touch Practitioners began and was administered by AHNA. That same year, Janet formed The Colorado Center for Healing Touch dedicated to bringing Healing Touch to millions of people throughout the world.
In 2008 the certification process was moved to the Healing Touch Certification Board, ts purpose is to administer the Healing Touch certification process for Practitioners and Instructors.” 2
Janet’s research and experiences led to the development of a large body of work that includes healing techniques from many cultures. I was led to Healing Touch by my desire to find other ways of helping my clients heal. I have found it extremely rewarding as a practitioner and receiver of the work.
Grief Work
Continuing through grief.
Loss, of anything, is the foundation of grief and the impetus for grieving; grief from the loss of something, someone, or some dream – or vision or goal. We may lose a pet, a child, a spouse, a friend, or a job, or opportunity. We may be rejected from a program or university. We may not meet the standards, or qualifications, or health needed to pursue our life’s dreams.
We all face different transitions every day – parenthood, marriage, pregnancy, entering or graduating from college, putting a parent or grandparent into a nursing home, caring for a sick child, or having an adult child return home to live. Having the skills to cope with change enables us to make those transitions shorter, less painful, and even less expensive.
I help my clients develop their own skill set of transition and coping skills to empower them in every area of their lives, so they can begin to feel better and gain more in control of their lives.
Trauma Recovery
Healing from Trauma
To experience trauma is to have life suddenly take an unexpected and unwelcome turn.
The experience often undermines our sense of safety, security, and well-being. We often feel isolated and misunderstood.
Physical responses include the fight/flight or freeze responses. The body reacts to the situation(s) with rapid heartrate, holding the breath or shallow breathing, a change in digestive functioning; feelings range from terrified/scared to anger and hopelessness.
If one is unable to process the trauma within a reasonable window of time, the trauma is ‘held’ by the body. There are theories (and some scientific data) that say that chronic disease is the result of held trauma.
My goal is to assist the client in calming the nervous system and learning techniques that will allow them to find a new level of functioning.
A long history of helping trauma survivors heal
I began working with trauma survivors in the early 1980s, while working at the Burn Center at the University of Virginia. I was also volunteering at the Charlottesville Rape Crisis Group – now Sexual Assault Resource Agency. My quest to find ways of helping trauma survivors started there.
In my education, research, and experience, I found talk therapy alone was not enough. I went with my clients to many alternative therapies to support them and to learn the treatment options.
I found Reiki (a form of energy medicine) to be one of the most helpful treatments. I took the first course and then found Healing Touch (Healing Beyond Borders: Educating and Certifying the Healing Touch). I found the curriculum and techniques very helpful in working with clients for just about any issue, including trauma recovery.
Anxiety + Depression
You’re not alone.
Anxiety and depression both take their toll on the human body and have the possibility of wreaking havoc on your life if left unchecked. Anxiety can often cause feelings of paralyzing fear, despair, rapid heartbeat and even illness, while depression can cause feelings of hopelessness, despair and intense sadness.
Sometimes the anxiety and depression is dietary or hormonal, seasonal or situational. Others, it’s a harbinger of a more serious illness. And sometimes, life just catches up with us, and we’re not sure how to respond. Whatever the cause, feeling stuck or completely overwhelmed physically and emotionally is a hard place to be, but you’re not alone.
While I don’t prescribe medications, I will work with you on other methods for handling the challenges of anxiety and depression. With your permission, I’ll also work with the provider who is prescribing your medication.
Life’s Transitions
Transitions are natural.
How we approach them, what we learn from them, and how we apply our newfound skills to our next transition (and life is full of them) will determine whether we enjoy and embrace life changes or dread them. Transitions can be developmental, physical, mental or spiritual–or some combination of those.
They can also be painful, shameful, difficult, or frustrating in the moment. From birth to school, puberty, leaving home, our first jobs, marriage, pregnancy, divorce, illness, rape, death, diagnosis of a serious illness, the unexpected loss of a child or parent or loved one, menopause, health issues, cancer, sexual identity issues – these are all transitions many of us will experience at some time.
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Back before our society became so mobile and complex, there were community members who were considered knowledgeable and acted as the navigators. They helped their community transition from one stage to another by providing education, insight, teaching skills and lending emotional, spiritual, and mental support. They were both teacher and cheerleader, both mentor and friend. In modern terms, they were coaches who drew from their experience with life and different situations to spot when someone was missing a skill set, an insight, or an understanding.
Not everyone making a transition needs a coach or a therapist. Some of us are fortunate enough to have family, friends, or mentors who can help us through the tough spots.
Many times, all we need is someone who can see our blind spots – and gently ask the kinds of questions we need to answer to make our transition more quickly and with less stress. Not all of us have those kinds of resources; even if we do, they may not always be available to help us consistently, or over a period of weeks or months.
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Live long enough and you’re likely to encounter challenges such as midlife, retirement, illnesses, weight problems, disability and death issues, and all the awkward things about those transitions that no one you know ever really wants to talk about. Now you know someone who can and will talk with you about those things in a safe, confidential, and respectful setting.
Many people have managed to transition through most of these things by themselves. Human beings are quite adaptable and resilient. But what if you could invest some time, money, and effort to make that painful transition in a few weeks or months instead of suffering for years?
Life is all about communication, understanding and life skills. We can learn it the hard way – through our own mistakes – or we can go to those we trust to help us through.
You don’t have enough life or time to learn just from your own mistakes. Love yourself enough to learn from other’s mistakes! It makes transitions so much easier.
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We’re often able to rely on family and the community around us to help us get through rough times. That’s how life was designed to work – people helping people.
But many people don’t have those kinds of community resources. They either don’t know anyone with the insight, time, knowledge, or skills that they can ask–or they don’t want their personal business to become common knowledge.
Some people experience a crisis or life-changing event that no one they know can help. This is when you might need a navigator or guide – someone who can show you how to find your path through the transition.
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My goal for my own life and practice is to work with people who are motivated to make positive change in their lives by offering what I know about how to transition through life. Often one-to-three sessions can help someone regain focus and formulate a plan for their transition.
Some people prefer to use a series of sessions over a period of months – learning the skills they need to make their transition over time. It’s up to the person. Are you motivated to make a change with minimal guidance? Do you prefer a companion throughout the process? It’s worth scheduling a time to talk and find out.
Not all of us are hurting because we just had a bad day or a bad year. Sometimes there are other things going on that require a doctor’s intervention. I can recognize the difference and offer alternatives and solutions for people who aren’t sure if they want a therapist or a coach.
Cancer or Chronic Illness
“Cancer.”
It’s probably one of the scariest words in the human vocabulary. It’s certainly one of, if not the, scariest diagnosis to hear from our doctors. Why? Because it means life as we know it is about to change dramatically.
Cancer will have an impact on our relationships, our jobs, the possible loss of life, of freedom, of choice in ways we can’t even imagine. Yes. Cancer and chronic illness can be the hardest life transitions people will ever have to deal with. Knowing what to expect and developing the skill sets you need to face a life-changing health event can be the most powerful things you can do to cope.
Getting through the illness, together.
Having a shoulder to lean on is often the best thing we can offer. Having someone to talk to who is not directly involved in the care of the person effected by the illness allows us to have a neutral anchor or support system who isn’t biased. A neutral therapist can give you their attention and allow you to have a full range of expression regarding your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Living with a terminal or chronic illness is incredibly challenging physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Having someone who understands the pathophysiology and the emotional toll that is exerted on those who are experiencing the illness and those caring for them can be a tremendous relief. Anger, guilt, burn-out, and frustration are all part of the process–but not easy to handle alone.
As a Transitions Coach and a former nurse and a counselor, I’ve offered that listening ear and Healing Touch for more than 30 years. I am available to do home visits in some circumstances and to be a listening, non-judgmental ear in all cases.
Ecotherapy
Finding peace in nature.
I may suggest meeting outdoors at a nearby park, garden or arboretum. I find the beauty and peace of nature and the metaphors we can draw upon to be very healing.
Fees & Session Length
• Sessions are 60 minutes in length and available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9AM and 6PM. Longer sessions are available upon request, pending availability.
• The fee for a 60-minute session is $90.
• I do not accept insurance due to client confidentiality concerns.
• In some cases, I offer services on a sliding scale.
FAQs
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As a Transititions Coach, I often encounter questions about “What is energy work?” from my clients.
Energy work is a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. At its core, this approach recognizes that energy flows throughout our bodies 24/7 in a process called “life.”
Disruptions or imbalances in this energy can contribute to physical and emotional distress, or disease. Energy work restores that balance by encompassing a variety of techniques and modalities. The common goal is always to restore harmony and balance the body’s various systems within the individual.
One fundamental concept in energy work is that the body possesses an innate ability to heal itself when provided with the right conditions. I use various methods to facilitate this healing process. These methods may include Reiki, meditation, chakra balancing, therapeutic or healing touch, sound or other forms of energy work. During energy work sessions, clients may experience sensations like warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation, which are often seen as signs as their energy realigning.
Energy work does not replace traditional medical treatment but is often used in conjunction with it to enhance overall well-being. It can be particularly beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and pain, as well as promoting relaxation and a sense of inner peace. Additionally, energy work encourages clients to become more attuned to their own bodies and emotions, fostering self-awareness and self-healing.
Energy work is a highly individualized practice, and the experience can vary from person to person. While some may find profound benefits, others may have a more subtle response.
I approach energy work as a complementary tool, working alongside traditional therapeutic methods to support my clients on their journey toward holistic wellness. Ultimately, energy work invites individuals to explore the profound connection between their physical, emotional, and energetic selves, fostering a deeper understanding of their own healing potential.
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I listen a lot. By nature, I’m a listener. I believe good listening and a strong respect for people’s privacy allows me to provide a safe harbor for my clients. Listening is so underrated. By listening, I can better understand how to help a client formulate the questions and issues they’re truly dealing with.
I listen because defining the problem is the most difficult and the most important of all the steps to healing and change. Listening helps us diagnose the situation so that our focus is on addressing the real problem and not just treating the symptoms. For instance, if doctors focus on the symptoms of a disease (cancer) rather than on diagnosing and treating the disease or issue (removing the tumor, surgically correcting a hernia, etc.), then their patient doesn’t heal, and may get worse! Defining the problem means finding the roots of your issue, not the symptoms that branch off from it.
I want my clients to be comfortable expressing their deepest thoughts and being their truest selves so we can diagnose the right problem and move towards a solution.
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My office is a no-judgement zone. At our core, people are people. “Normal” is just a setting on a dryer, and “Weird,” is just a word for something people don’t understand. From Jesus to Buddha and to all spiritual leaders, the primary command has universally been to “love others.” I strongly believe in practicing love.
We all have fears, dreams, lives, and skills. My sessions with each client vary according to their comfort levels and what they bring to the session. We’ll talk, laugh, and maybe even cry together as we explore and dissect the transition you’re navigating. Together, we’ll assess the skills, tools, and resources available and seek the best methods for you to move through your situation and come out stronger and more prepared for additional challenges on the other side.
While I’m “no judgment,” I’m also no violence. Being accepting means I still have boundaries to keep you and me safe.
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I offer in-person, personalized, one-on-one coaching and mentoring to adults 18+ who are navigating life's transitions, whether personal or professional. Through our 60 minute sessions, I collaborate with my clients on a journey of self-discovery. There is no "one size fits all" approach in this work. Your life and situation are unique, and that's our approach.
I show each client the tools and strategies they'll need to navigate the challenges and transitions of everyday life. That may include how to create, communicate, and enforce boundaries with others. I may include effective self-care practices.
We may look at forces that impact you on a personal level. The supernatural world is real, and from Christianity to Buddhism, 4,200 religions in the world recognize spirituality and another "reality". I'm open to hearing about your beliefs and how they have shaped your world and your experience.
I offer Healing Touch as part of the coaching, if desired.
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My fee is $90 per session.
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Sessions are 60 minutes in length, with longer sessions available upon request.
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I am certified through Healing Beyond Borders.
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To get in touch, contact me via email at pat@patcheeks.com, or complete the form on the contact page. You can expect to hear from me within 24 hours.
Ready to begin your journey of inner healing, together?
Complete the form to request your appointment or free consultation today. You can expect to hear from Pat within 24 hours.
Energy healing and coaching for the mind, body and soul.
Serving individuals in the Harrisonburg, Virginia area.