Gretchen Kainz
Boise, ID, USA
850-774-2236
[email protected]
gretchenkainz.com
Gretchen specializes in supporting other humans that want to increase their self-awareness and learn about patterns or dynamics in their lives (within themselves or with others), that are ineffective, painful, or that may even cause some level of harm. Gretchen also helps folks (individuals and groups) that want to be more competent with how they communicate and engage in conflict (because not all conflicts can be “resolved”).
From Gretchen:
I am a curious adventurer and lifelong seeker of self-growth opportunities! I fully believe in experiencing life and living intentionally with courage, joy, and a full heart as much as is possible. (And, admittedly, sometimes joy and full-heartedness feel totally impossible. I do my best.)
I’ve explored approximately 7.9 million different modalities to stretch into my own personal growth. So far, my favorite is Shadow Work®! I first experienced it at a weekend retreat while serving in the U.S. Air Force in England a long time ago. At that retreat, I felt the connection instantly, and it became clear that Shadow Work was my “calling”. Although the timing wasn’t quite right then, my life journey has since led me back to the Shadow Work path with a stronger foundation of skills and confidence. As a certified Shadow Work Coach, I use that framework, often combined with other techniques, as the root of my coaching practice. My focus is on whatever is wanted or needed by the person I’m working with, and I will always promote personal growth and self-discovery. Additionally, as a bonus (no extra cost! Haha!), I help folks expand and ground their conflict engagement abilities with practical techniques.
My “jewel” is my presence and energy! I meet people where they are energetically and hold the space in whatever way they need. I’m not easily scared, but I’ll definitely acknowledge any hesitancy or discomfort. Transparency and integrity are important to me! I ask a lot of questions (which my husband finds very annoying), and I have strong listening skills and intuition. (Sometimes, I’m super funny, too!) (Seriously, I am!) All that stuff, in combination with a scoop of compassion and openness, help promote courage in others so they can move towards the life they want to live. Yay!
This is kind of long already- but here’s a bit more for fun!…. Since 2008, I have been helping people understand the underlying causes of their conflicts, both internal (within themselves) and external (with others). I’ve done that professionally in judiciary settings as a group facilitator, mediator, circle-keeper, and conflict resolution / conflict engagement coach and trainer.
I also worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Europe for Disabled American Veterans and then as an advocate for abused and neglected children in Florida. I spent nine years in the U.S. Air Force as a Morse Code Operator and Training Coordinator. During that time, I had the opportunity to serve the country while traveling extensively and earning a Bachelor and a Master’s degree.
I currently (and proudly) serve part-time as a reservist Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Advisor with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In 2018, my partner, Tony, and I took a big plunge and quit our day jobs, sold our house and almost all of our “stuff” and took a year to travel around the country in a small travel-trailer exploring the wilds of America. We’re currently living in lovely Boise, Idaho.
Thanks for reading. Yay! High-five!