Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlene Schneider.
Hi Arlene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in a tiny town in Louisiana to Cajun French-speaking parents. From the time I was 6 years old, I knew that there was a great big world out there with endless opportunities. Against my parent’s wishes, I applied to college and paid my way through LSU with grants, loans, and sacrifices. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work in 5 years. As a therapist, I worked for 14 years in Virginia and Houston in psychiatric hospitals and private practice settings. When my first child was born, I decided to embrace being a stay-at-home mom. I worked as a full-time mom until my youngest son was in high school. At that time, I felt called to explore life possibilities outside the home. As someone who loves to help others, I pursued a life coaching certification. Being a therapist I thought, “This will be a piece of cake!” Was I wrong! The training I chose was an intensive 7-month soul searching, challenging, and life-changing experience. I learned so much about how I thought, what blocked me from being the best I knew I could be, and how I reacted to stress and pressure. After that life-changing experience, I knew I had to share it with everyone possible. I took another leap and created Schneider Coaching Group, LLC. I believed in myself and coaching, and I am happy to say that it has been a success beyond my wildest dreams. What makes it a success? I have the honor of coaching teens, adolescents, and adults to pursue their possibilities. Observing my clients gain insight and make life changes is how I define success. I am beyond honored to earn their trust and be a part of this process!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Life is not smooth! I had a lot of self-doubt about all of my roles, from therapist to mom. I still do. I feel most confident as a coach due to the intensive training I went through. It was so intense that I would fall apart after each weekend-long module. My coach training opened my eyes and exposed my fears and weaknesses. I wasn’t prepared for the rush of feelings that overwhelmed me. By hiring an experienced coach, I was able to make sense of all of the overwhelming emotions confronting me. As a result, I am so much happier and fulfilled. Every struggle and challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. We must strive to continue to grow and learn. That is the beauty of life.
We’ve been impressed with Schneider Coaching Group, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Although I get many referrals for my work with young adults, I work with older teens and adults of all ages. Almost everyone can benefit from coaching! What sets Schneider Coaching apart from other coaches is the intensive training and unique assessment that I offer to clients. This assessment reveals how a person reacts under stress and in everyday situations. It’s not as simple as you might think!
My counseling background and knowledge give me an edge in coaching. I am also able to evaluate if a person would be a better fit for therapy than coaching. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation and hold an advanced certification (PCC).
Being that this is my passion and a second career, I am able to offer affordable pricing and packages so that coaching is accessible to many people.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find a mentor that you “vibe” with. Working with a mentor who is not judgmental and will communicate with you and hold you accountable is important! That is the criteria I used to choose my amazing mentor.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.schneidercoachinggroup.com
Image Credits
Laura Mansur Guerra
