In this interview, we delve into the world of holistic health and wellness coaching with Sofiya Stasiv, a licensed professional and lifestyle wellness coach. Sofiya shares her passion for helping individuals reunite the flame for their health and find liberation and joy in their lives through the lens of adventure. Drawing from her background as a nurse, including her experience in kidney and transplant care and serving as a COVID nurse, Sofiya noticed a gap in post-care resources and the importance of preventive medicine. She focuses on assisting clients who feel lost in their health journey, offering an inside-out approach to bridge the gap between their current state and where they aspire to be. Sofiya’s emphasis on empowering individuals, addressing mindset obstacles, and fostering a supportive community underscores her dedication to guiding clients on a transformative path toward holistic well-being.

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 Who do you help, and how?

 I assist individuals in their pursuit of reuniting the flame for their health and discovering the accompanying liberation, joy, and adventure that can be found in the process. The people I help are those ready to see that health is more than doctor office visits, lab results, or an illness that occurs to you. It is your personal life journey, and it is multifaceted. With my background as a kidney and transplant nurse, along with my experience as a COVID nurse, I noticed a lack of post-care resources in our healthcare system. This led me to focus on clients who find themselves completely adrift when it comes to their health, sensing that something crucial is missing.

I have always been passionate about preventive medicine, so I primarily work with clients who need guidance in understanding their core identity and adopting an inside-out approach to bridge the gap between their current state and their desired well-being in life.

What are the benefits of working with you?

One of the significant advantages of working with me is that I am a licensed professional with a nursing degree. As a lifestyle wellness coach operating under the nursing specialty of Nurse Coaching, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I prioritize trust, honor, and guiding individuals through their wellness journey. My approach is rooted in a holistic framework, considering various aspects of one’s life to foster overall well-being.

My credibility as a nurse enhances the trustworthiness of my services, as nurses are widely recognized as the most trusted professionals in healthcare. I possess a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that influence human life and how they intersect with health. While addressing specific health concerns such as blood pressure or heart rate is important, I also emphasize the significance of establishing boundaries, setting financial standards, and creating an environment that supports overall well-being.

By working with me, individuals can embrace a comprehensive circle of self-care, knowing that my nursing background supports and strengthens my dedication to their well-being.

What outcomes do clients experience when working with you?

 Working with me often leads to empowering outcomes and increased confidence for my clients. They rediscover their true selves and regain control over their lives. Let me share an example to illustrate this. I had a client who had recently suffered a back injury. Although he had undergone surgery and rehabilitation, he recognized that working with me would provide an opportunity to recalibrate his life. It became apparent that his back injury was a result of overworking as a CEO and neglecting proper stress management.

Together, we focused on realigning his values and identifying ways to set more favorable outcomes for himself, both in terms of his desired life trajectory and the pace at which he wanted to achieve it. We also prioritized establishing his future priorities, ensuring that he no longer neglected his health.

The outcomes we achieved included a renewed sense of purpose, an improved work-life balance, and a commitment to prioritizing his health. My client gained the empowerment to make choices that aligned with his overall well-being, preventing a recurrence of a similar situation in the future.

What obstacles do your clients face, and how do you help them overcome them?

 One of the prevalent obstacles that I often see among my clients is their mindset, particularly a sense of unworthiness and being haunted by past failures. While they navigate the broader challenges of disease processes and health concerns, it is in our everyday conversations that their self-imposed limitations come to light. There is a recurring theme of striving for perfection, feeling unseen or undeserving of change, and becoming trapped in their own internal world.

To address these obstacles, I actively collaborate with my clients, providing them with accountability and support throughout their journey. I am committed to challenging them at every step, encouraging them to break free from their self-perception and limited beliefs about their lives. Moreover, I guide them in rewriting the internal dialogue that shapes their thoughts and behaviors, fostering self-acceptance and facilitating positive change.

It goes beyond improving their eating habits or increasing physical movement; it involves transforming the script within their minds, granting themselves permission, and establishing new empowering patterns. By offering a supportive hand and facilitating a shift in their internal narrative, my clients can overcome these obstacles and embrace a mindset that promotes personal growth, self-worth, and lasting change. They deserve to have their agency back.

What misconceptions exist about your work, and how do you address them?

One significant misconception about coaching, particularly in the wellness field, is undervaluing its importance due to a lack of social support in our modern society, which contributes to feelings of loneliness and depression. It is crucial for people to understand that as their coach, I become one of their primary sources of support. However, the impact of coaching goes beyond our individual interactions; it extends to their environment and the communities they engage with, influenced by the work we do together.

I have witnessed profound transformations in people’s lives when they recognize the value of creating a sense of community and connection. Through coaching, individuals can realign their entire lives, finding support and inspiration within their chosen communities. To overcome this misconception, I emphasize the transformative power of community and highlight the ripple effect it can have on overall well-being.

By fostering a sense of connection and demonstrating the significance of building a supportive community, I help my clients understand the immense benefits that come with embracing coaching as a catalyst for holistic growth and personal development.

What prevents people from seeking the help you offer?

 One significant barrier I’ve observed is the absence of quick fixes in the work I do. This can discourage individuals who are seeking immediate solutions. While mindset is a significant focus of my coaching, I often encounter obstacles related to personal investment. Some people may hesitate to invest in themselves due to financial concerns. While I do accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) payments for health-related coaching, not everyone has a dedicated coaching budget. Additionally, coaching can be overlooked or undervalued, particularly in the healthcare realm, which can further impede affordability.

Furthermore, fear plays a significant role in deterring people from seeking help. Individuals may be apprehensive about taking the risk on themselves and facing their own truths. Engaging in coaching requires vulnerability, authenticity, and honesty, which can be daunting. However, it is precisely in this space that the true beauty of what I do lies, as it allows clients to confront themselves and embark on a transformative journey.

To overcome these barriers, I address financial concerns and emphasize the long-term benefits of investing in oneself. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel empowered to face their fears, break through limitations, and ultimately experience personal growth and transformation.

How do you help clients overcome those obstacles?

 To assist clients in overcoming these obstacles, I establish clear agreements during our coaching sessions. These agreements ensure that there are no expectations placed upon them, creating a safe and supportive environment. I utilize specific coaching tools that foster comfort and encourage open dialogue. I genuinely listen to my clients, engage in therapeutic conversations, and guide them toward recognizing the positive aspects of their experiences rather than solely focusing on the negative.

In many traditional medical settings, individuals often feel judged when they express themselves authentically. However, my approach is different. I encourage clients to embrace their true selves and work together to discover who they aspire to be. We bridge the gap between their current state and their desired future, embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

By providing a non-judgmental space where clients can freely express themselves, I help them feel heard and understood. Through our coaching sessions, we collaboratively navigate their obstacles, cultivate resilience, and empower them to make positive changes in their lives.

What inspires you in your work?

My inspiration has always come from the idea that adventure is out there in this world. I find so much excitement in the multiple dimensions a human life can be.  My personal curiosity about the world and the individuals in it are the inspiration for my coaching. Helping people witness the incredible joy that emanates from within them when they recognize their own worth and the immense potential they have in their lives creates such warmth in my heart. Personally, I have gone through a significant journey of independence, and it can sometimes be a lonely path. While I have been fortunate to have amazing friendships and connections that have supported me, I understand that not everyone has the same privilege.

Having a background in nursing has granted me a deep understanding of holistic health and the significance of comprehensive self-care. I genuinely appreciate the importance of taking care of oneself in all aspects of life. However, I also recognize that not everyone has access to such knowledge and resources. This realization along with my theme of adventuring this life serves as a driving force for my inspiration—to bridge the gap and bring everyday wellness practices and storytelling into people’s lives.

My ultimate inspiration lies in empowering individuals to embrace their own unique stories and become the main characters in their lives. I am dedicated to creating an environment where people can explore their potential, rewrite their narratives, and embark on a transformative journey toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. Witnessing the transformative power of personal growth and seeing individuals embrace their true selves is what fuels my passion and keeps me inspired every single day.

What criteria should people use when evaluating a health and wellness coach?

 When evaluating a health and wellness coach, I recommend considering several criteria. First and foremost, credibility is crucial. It’s important to ensure that the coach has the appropriate credentials and qualifications to provide guidance on matters related to your health.

Another important factor is that the coach operates from a place of heart-centered service. Since coaching conversations can be vulnerable, it’s essential to feel comfortable and trust that the coach will create a safe space where you can openly share your thoughts and experiences. They should demonstrate compassion and understanding without judging or ridiculing your decisions. A coach who offers a compassionate and loving approach can acknowledge mistakes while providing support and guidance to facilitate positive changes.

The presence of structure is also important. While each coaching journey is unique, there should be some form of structure in place. It’s essential to gain clarity on how the coach plans to assist you in achieving your goals. Understanding their methods and approaches ensures that the coaching sessions are productive and purposeful rather than merely casual conversations.

By considering these criteria—credibility, compassion, and structure—, you can make an informed decision when selecting a health and wellness coach who aligns with your needs and can provide the necessary support on your wellness journey.

How can we find out more about you and your services?

 There are several ways to learn more about me and the services I offer. You can visit my personal website at sofiyastasiv.com, where you’ll find detailed information about my background, approach, and the services I provide. I offer 1:1 coaching, group coaching, workshops, and retreats.  You can also email me at hello@youvsyouwellnesscoaching.com.

I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram (@sofiyastasiv), where I share authentic aspects of my life. Through my posts, I aim to highlight our shared humanity and ongoing growth while offering relatable tips and insights for individuals on their wellness journey.

Additionally, I’m excited to announce that I’m organizing a coaching mountaineering retreat in August. This unique experience combines a mountain climb with a coaching retreat, allowing participants to recalibrate themselves and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The retreat aligns with the theme of my business, “You versus You Wellness Coaching.”

By exploring my website, following me on Instagram, and considering participation in the upcoming retreat, you can gain a deeper understanding of my services and connect with me on a personal level.