How WISDOM Coaching Helped an 11-year-old Child Overcome her Anxiety, Find Her Voice, and Build Confidence
When 11-year-old Ellie began coaching, she wanted to become more confident expressing what she needed and wanted.
She often held back from sharing information in class. She was also struggling in a friendship where the other child tended to make all the decisions and do things for her. Ellie’s mother wanted to help her learn how to speak up, trust herself, and have more confidence in her own voice.
WISDOM Coach Karen recommended an initial six-session coaching package covering skills for understanding how the mind works and self-talk.
As Coach Karen and Ellie got to know each other, it became clear that Ellie was also experiencing some underlying anxiety. Coach Karen combined the stories with visualization meditations to help Ellie understand her fears and practise seeing herself respond with confidence.
One of those fears involved riding the elevator at school.
Ellie was responsible for returning a bin of classroom books to the library each morning. She was afraid to take the elevator, but carrying the heavy bin up the stairs was difficult.
During coaching, Coach Karen helped Ellie visualize herself entering the elevator, feeling safe and calm, and riding it with confidence.
When Ellie returned for her next session, she proudly told Karen that she had done it.
Learning to Respond Differently to Fear
Another breakthrough happened on the playground.
Ellie wanted to cross the monkey bars, but she noticed a fearful voice in her head telling her not to try. This time, instead of automatically listening to that voice, she recognized what was happening.
Ellie told the fearful voice to be quiet. And then she crossed the monkey bars!
This was an important change. Ellie was learning that feeling afraid did not have to make her decisions for her. She could notice the thoughts that were holding her back, respond differently, and take action.
Over time, Coach Karen saw Ellie become much more confident. What began as an initial six-session package developed into ongoing weekly coaching because Ellie and her mother found so much value in the sessions.
Coach Karen ultimately worked with Ellie for 54 sessions over four years. Together, they completed the entire Adventures in Wisdom curriculum – twice!
Now, Ellie helps Coach Karen in her summer programs for younger kids.
Coach Karen’s Reflection
Ellie held a particularly special place in Karen’s journey because she was Karen’s very first coaching client.
Karen shared:
“She was my first client, and I was so nervous when I first started with her. But she and her mother found so much value from the sessions that they continued with weekly sessions over a time span of four years. We went through all of the Adventures in Wisdom stories two times!”
Ellie is now almost 16 years old and the relationship has come full circle.
She now volunteers at my Empower UP! Summer Camp for girls, the same camp whose flyer first introduced Ellie’s family to my one-on-one coaching services.
What began with an eight-year-old girl learning to express herself and face her fears grew into a four-year coaching journey—and a relationship that continues today.
Learn more about the 27 Mindset Skills children learn through Adventures in Wisdom
Download the list of 27 mindset skills:
Want to be a Life Coach for Kids?
You can create impact and income – working part time or full time – as a certified WISDOM Coach®.
You can get certified to use the Adventures in Wisdom Life Coaching for Kids Curriculum, where you’ll use fun coaching stories, activities and a proven STORY Coaching process to teach mindset skills and life coach kids.
WISDOM Coaches use coaching stories and activities to help children develop mindset skills for confidence, resilience, self-esteem, self-leadership, and achievement so that they can be confident and prepared to handle the ups and downs of growing up, reach their fullest potential, and thrive.
To see what it’s all about and learn how you can create a business you love as a life coach for kids, simply click below. You’ll find everything you need to know, including how to apply and save.
Want to Find a WISDOM Coach for Your Child?
Simple click below to:
- Use the “Connect with a Coach” form or
- Search the WISDOM Coach® Directory
*** The end ***
Adventure well, my friend!
Copyright (C) 2011-2025 Adventures in Wisdom, Inc. All Rights Reserved.