Life Coaching
Empowering Your Journey to Independent Living
Introducing our new Coaching Department!!
Are you a teen or young adult feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of "adulting"? You're not alone. From managing money and healthcare to navigating housing and relationships, the transition to independence can feel daunting. Our specialized Life Coaching program is designed specifically for teens and young adults (ages 16-25) who need practical, hands-on support with the essential skills that school didn't teach.
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Nine Comprehensive Workbooks form a strategic roadmap and guide our work together



Workbook 1: Independent Living Skills
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Understanding lease agreements and California tenant rights
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Roommate selection and communication
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Creating cleaning schedules and home maintenance
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Setting up utilities (PG&E, internet, water)
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Renter's insurance basics
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Moving logistics and planning
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Meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking basics
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Laundry, time management, and sleep hygiene
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Managing household supplies
Workbook 2: Financial Literacy & Management
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Opening and managing a checking account
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Understanding and building credit
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Reading bank statements
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Creating realistic monthly budgets (adapted for Sonoma County costs)
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Choosing and using credit cards responsibly
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Setting up direct deposit and automatic payments
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Filing taxes in California
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Understanding pay stubs and tax forms
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Local banking options and resources



Workbook 3: Healthcare & Insurance
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Understanding health insurance types (Covered CA, Medi-Cal, employer plans)
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Reading your insurance card
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Choosing a primary care doctor in Sonoma County
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Knowing when to use urgent care vs. emergency room
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Understanding prescription medication costs
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Finding affordable prescriptions and using discount programs
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Managing medication schedules
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Accessing preventive care and mental health services
Workbook 4: Education & Career Planning
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Understanding college options (community college, CSU, UC, trade schools)
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FAFSA and California financial aid (Cal Grants, Dream Act)
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Exploring career paths and interests
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Job search strategies for Sonoma County
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Writing resumes and cover letters
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Interview preparation and professional skills
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Understanding workplace expectations and California employment laws
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Professional networking


Workbook 5: Transportation & Mobility
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Getting your California driver's license
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Understanding REAL ID requirements
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DMV processes (license, registration, title, smog)
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Understanding California car insurance requirements
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Understanding insurance claims process
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Basic car maintenance schedule
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What do do after an accident
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Budgeting for gas and car expenses
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Understanding car loans and financing
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Using public transportation effectively (Sonoma County transit)
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Planning routes and travel time
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Bike safety and maintenance
Workbook 6: Relationships & Communication
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Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
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Understanding consent and California laws
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Assertive communication techniques
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Using "I" statements effectively
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Conflict resolution skills
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Active listening
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Recognizing unhealthy relationships
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Supporting friends in crisis
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Managing social media and digital boundaries
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Building healthy friendships and romantic relationships


Workbook 7: Personal Development & Life Skills
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Setting realistic SMART goals
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Breaking large goals into manageable steps
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Overcoming procrastination
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Managing multiple responsibilities
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Using calendars and planners effectively
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Prioritizing tasks
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Organizing physical and digital spaces
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Stress management techniques
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Recognizing when to seek professional help
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Building resilience and coping with setbacks
Workbook 8: Legal & Administrative Tasks
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Understanding and obtaining your birth certificate
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Applying for or renewing a U.S. passport
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Registering to vote in California (including pre-registration at 16-17)
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Understanding jury duty obligations
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Creating a personal document filing system
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Tracking important dates and deadlines
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Organizing essential legal documents
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Understanding what documents to keep vs. shred
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Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a citizen


Workbook 9: Life Transitions
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Preparing to move out on your own for the first time
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Understanding the real costs of living independently in Sonoma County
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Resources for foster youth (Extended Foster Care, ILP, THP-Plus)
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Starting college or trade school successfully
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Transitioning into your first full-time job
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Managing changing relationships (family, friends, romantic)
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Building crisis support systems
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Navigating homesickness and loneliness
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Accessing Sonoma County transition resources
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Creating emergency support plans
Who is this for?
This coaching program is ideal if you:
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Are 16-25 years old and preparing for or navigating independent living
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Feel overwhelmed by adult responsibilities
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Didn't learn these skills at home or in school
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Are transitioning from foster care or institutional settings
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Have ADHD, autism, or other conditions that make executive functioning challenging
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Want practical skills, not traditional therapy
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Need support your parents can't provide
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Are ready to take action and build confidence
Investment in your future
Life coaching sessions are offered as a cash-pay service, which provides several benefits:
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Greater scheduling flexibility
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No diagnosis required
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No insurance paperwork or limitations on number of sessions
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Complete privacy--no involvement with insurance companies
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You control your coaching journey
Pricing
Individual Session: $95 per 50-minute session
Package Options: 4 Prepaid coaching sessions for $330 instead of $380
20% sliding scale available for Medi-Cal individuals/families: $76 per 50-minute session and $264 for 4 prepaid coaching sessions instead of $304.
We believe these practical life skills are an investment in your independence and future success!
What to Expect in Coaching Sessions:
Initial Assessment (Session 1)
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Review the comprehensive skills checklist together
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Identify your top priority areas
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Set initial goals and create your personalized coaching plan
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Ongoing Sessions
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Work through relevant workbook sections at your pace
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Complete practical exercises and worksheets between sessions
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Problem-solve real challenges you're facing
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Track progress and celebrate wins
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Adjust focus areas as your needs evolve
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Your coach provides:
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Age-appropriate guidance without judgment
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Local California and Sonoma County resources
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Practical templates and tools you can use immediately
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Accountability and encouragement
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A safe space to ask "basic" questions without embarrassment
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How is life coaching different from therapy?
A: Therapy typically focuses on mental health diagnosis and treatment, processing past experiences, and emotional healing. Life coaching focuses on skill-building, goal-setting, and practical problem-solving for current and future challenges. Both are valuable--just with different focuses
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Q: How long does coaching take?
A: It varies! Some clients work on a few specific skills over 6-8 sessions. Others prefer ongoing support over months as they encounter new challenges. You're in control of the timeline.
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Q: Do you take insurance?
A: Life coaching is a cash-pay service. This means greater flexibility and privacy. If you're looking for mental health therapy that may be covered by insurance, our clinic also offers traditional counseling services.
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Q: What if I don't live in Sonoma County?
A: While our workbooks include Sonoma-County specific resources, the skills themselves are universal. We can adapt resources to your location. Virtual coaching may also be available.
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Q: Can parents be involved?
A: That depends on your age and preferences. For teens under 18, some parent involvement may be helpful. For young adults 18+, coaching is typically one-on-one unless you request family sessions.
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Q: I'm really behind on basic skills. Will you judge me?
A: Absolutely not. Everyone's path is different, and there's no "should" when it comes to when you learn these skills. Our entire program is built on meeting you where you are with compassion and practical support.
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