On Becoming Congruent
Carl Rogers, one of psychology's most influential thinkers, held at the center of many of his theories the belief that people are...
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Congruence Coaching & Consultation offers dedicated, expert attention committed to the development of high achieving individuals, teams, and organizations. Deep, genuine connection is paired with evidence-based practices and assessment tools to enhance awareness in the service of goal setting and execution.
"Dr. Downing was the only coach (my organization had me try 2 others before her) that truly helped me change for the better in a sustainable way. I really appreciated how she was able to help me understand why I reacted negatively to certain situations, how to identify triggers, acknowledge my emotions, and recognize it before it took over the circumstances." ~ Physician Leader
"Dr. Downing provides a nonjudgmental, psychologically safe, and supportive environment to reflect and be introspective about interpersonal relationship building, leading with empathy, and communicating effectively with others."
~ Physician
"Coaching with Vanessa helped me feel confident in continuing the path towards the bigger picture of my career and life goals. She challenged me to get out of my comfort zone to get there." ~ Psychologist
"Vanessa naturally builds trusts with her clients. As part of our coaching practice, I was able to uncover deeper patterns of my behavior and work consciously to address them. I appreciated that all of her guidance to me was substantiated with a scientific basis. I saw a real improvement in my approach to various work situations thanks to her input, and I am grateful to her for it." ~ Tech Entrepreneur
"It’s not easy to find someone who understands what you’re going through as a physician or clinician. Vanessa is a highly skilled coach and therapist with rich experience working with medical professionals. Her insightful questions not only helped me successfully navigate a challenging work situation, but also changed my whole perspective on my medical practice for the better! She truly gets it.” ~ Physician
"Vanessa’s ability to flow between coaching and therapeutic skills is masterful and incredibly helpful. She is warm, engaging, funny, empathetic, scholarly, and has a vibrant, creative mind. She has a good heart and truly desires to see physicians and clinicians thrive." ~ Physician
Coming Into Congruence
Philosophy and Theoretical Approach
High achievers can spend a lifetime successfully hitting targets and clearing hurdles established and defined by others. But often, the sweetest success and deepest fulfillment emerges from coming into congruence, sharpening your insight, and committing to meaningful action.
High achievers are used to moving through obstacles that keep others stuck. So when they hit problems that stump them, it can feel jarring, frustrating, and even lonely. High achievers have unique needs in times of feeling burned out, stuck, or lost: sensitive, highly attuned support balanced by attentive, appropriate challenge.
Those working in intensive, fast-paced, or sometimes trauma-exposed fields can benefit significantly from coaching, counseling, and consultation. Coaching can help high achievers shift out of reactivity to external demands and into a state of flow -- an experience of moving toward answers and optimizing one's own true potential. Counseling can spur healing and recovery from burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue.
Ultimately, achieving congruence means:
- becoming more aware of priceless opportunities for growth
- locating and connecting to an innate inner compass
- identifying and aligning with deeply held values
- unearthing and applying core strengths and talents, and
hitting your own targets.
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Eleanor Roosevelt
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