FAQs

What is inner critic coaching, and how can it help me?

Inner critic coaching helps you understand and shift the internal voice and patterns that undermine your confidence, decisions, and follow-through. Rather than trying to silence that voice, we slow down and get curious about where it comes from, how it shows up in your thoughts, emotions, and nervous system, and how it influences your behavior. Together, we build practical tools rooted in nervous system regulation, self-trust, and evidence-based skills to help you respond with clarity instead of self-doubt, overthinking, or avoidance. This work is for Millennials and Gen Z who are tired of shrinking themselves, second-guessing their goals, or relying on performative confidence, and are ready to move forward in a way that feels sustainable and aligned. Inner critic coaching is non-clinical and focuses on real-life application, helping you create confidence from the inside out so taking action and embracing success no longer feels like a fight with yourself.

Who can benefit from coaching sessions with Life Coach Irelynn?

Coaching with Irelynn is for Millennial and Gen Z adults who are exhausted from pushing, performing, and holding themselves together through harsh self-criticism. Many of us were never taught how to treat ourselves with kindness or pursue what we want without guilt, only how to keep going at the expense of ourselves. This work is not about becoming “more motivated” or forcing change, but about understanding why your inner critic shows up, learning how to respond to it differently, and building steady self-leadership that doesn’t collapse when things feel uncomfortable. If you’re tired of living on autopilot, second-guessing your goals, or relying on performative confidence, this space is for you.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

The main difference between therapy and coaching is that therapy addresses clinical issues and diagnoses. Though I have clinical training, I choose the coaching approach because it is action-oriented, includes tools for real-life application that make growth visible and sustainable, and focuses on challenges that medications and specialists alone often can’t fix. Coaching helps you move forward by addressing behaviors, mindsets, and habits in practical, empowering ways that actually work for you. Instead of putting you in the “student” seat, coaching assumes you are the expert, already having the inner resources you need to thrive, and supports you in building on those resources to create lasting, meaningful change. Coaching can also be a great resource because you can get access to videos, articles, course material, and short term programs that a therapist simply cannot offer!

Is it really worth the investment?

Coaching is an investment in yourself and your future. It provides dedicated time and support to prioritize your goals and well-being, which can be hard to do alone. Many clients find that coaching helps them move faster through challenges, reduce overwhelm, and build sustainable habits that improve their quality of life far beyond the sessions themselves. For some, coaching is a more affordable and accessible option compared to therapy. Unlike therapy, which can involve lengthy treatment plans, insurance limitations, co-pays, and ongoing clinical assessments to determine your “need” for support, coaching focuses on practical, goal-oriented change that often leads to faster, visible results—and I’ll never make you prove that you “need” services. Coaching can be a powerful, efficient way to create lasting personal growth and forward momentum.

What types of issues can I work on with a life coach?

You can work on a wide range of challenges and goals with a coach, from self love and managing emotions, to motivation and building healthier habits, and even learning how to set goals for yourself step by step when nobody has ever really taught you how to properly. Many of these topics are things we tackle while doing inner critic healing and mending the relationship with the self. These are some of the non-clinical areas I specialize in, and I am happy to offer referrals to other providers for any issues I personally am unable to address in sessions with you. Coaching sessions will be personalized to your needs and focused on the specific areas where you want to see change.

How do coaching sessions work, and what can I expect at my first session?

Coaching sessions are designed to feel supportive, structured, and grounded in real life. If you’re participating in one-on-one coaching, your first session focuses on getting clear on your goals, understanding your self-talk, and identifying the patterns that have been keeping you stuck. From there, sessions are guided by your needs and paced intentionally, using tools rooted in nervous system regulation and the 4-Step RISE Method to help you build self-trust and take aligned action. If you’re in the Inner Critic Bootcamp, weekly group coaching calls provide guided support, reflection, and practical application of the program themes in a collaborative, non-judgmental space. Whether in individual or group sessions, the focus is on creating sustainable change without forcing motivation or performative confidence.

What is your coaching style, and how is it different from others?

My coaching style is honest, supportive, and deeply human. I don’t believe in pushing, shaming, or forcing change. Instead, I help you understand your inner critic, the patterns it creates, and how your nervous system responds under pressure so you can move forward with clarity rather than self-doubt. Our work is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based, therapy-informed tools, but always paced in a way that feels safe, realistic, and sustainable. The goal isn’t performative confidence or quick fixes, it’s building self-trust and internal stability so growth feels natural instead of exhausting.

Is coaching confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a critical aspect of coaching. Everything we discuss stays between us. My greatest hope is that you find this to be a safe space where you can express yourself openly and honestly. I follow strict ethical guidelines to protect your privacy and build trust in our coaching relationship.

Do you offer free consultations or discovery calls?

Yes! I offer a free 30-minute consultation where we can connect, discuss your goals, and see if coaching is the right fit for you. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to ask questions and get clear on how we can work together. Consider this your personal “vibe check”.

How long will it take to see results from coaching?

Results vary depending on your goals and commitment, but many clients begin noticing shifts in mindset, motivation, or clarity within the first few sessions. Coaching is a process, and sustained change often happens when you apply what we discuss consistently over time.

What should I do to prepare for a coaching session?

Each meeting, all you really need to bring is an open mind and willingness to be honest with yourself. It helps to reflect briefly on what you want to focus on or any challenges you’re facing before the session, but no heavy prep is needed. Some notes or journal prompts do help, though! Coaching is about meeting you where you are and moving forward together, so you won’t ever feel under-prepared or left behind.

Do you offer group coaching or workshops?

Yes. My primary offering is the 10 Week Inner Critic Bootcamp, a structured program designed to help you understand, befriend, and retrain your inner critic so you can build confidence, take action, and follow through without burning yourself out. The Bootcamp is an online, self-paced learning course derived from my 4-step RISE method which is taught through a combination of guided video lessons, weekly group coaching calls, practical tools and guides, as well as reflective activities and immediate skills you can apply in real life to begin seeing change. I also offer limited one-on-one support for clients who need more personalized guidance. Any future workshops or live group experiences will be announced through my website and social media.