Bonnie Prestridge
Life Coach
What I Do
I help teens and young adults get unstuck and build a life while taming their unique challenges.
Challenges come in all sizes. From everyday anxiety, to unusual medical issues, to the neurodivergent who feel like misfits, to the secretly miserable overachiever who never gives themselves a break. All young people and all challenges are welcome here.
Parents, do any of these scenarios sound familiar?
You worry about how your child will ever be able to work a job and support themselves when they struggle with more fundamental things now?
They want things to be different, but no matter how hard they try, nothing seems to change.
The people who are supposed to help don't seem to understand your child's unique needs. The resources and support that work for other people don’t work for them.
It’s hard to make progress because every time things start to get better, there is some kind of setback that sends them back to square one.
Your child feels like they're missing out on their youth because they're not able to date, go to school, work, or just have carefree fun like their peers.
...Or maybe your child is pretty successful but they're burnt out and don't know how to have a more sustainable life while still meeting their goals.
When they’re built slightly or extremely differently, you can’t expect the typical advice to help your kid thrive.
Most advice and organizations are not designed with different kinds of people in mind. They don't take into account variations in personality, temperament, strengths, interests or working styles.
They also don't acknowledge the systemic barriers that make tlife significantly harder for some people than others.
Our world is so focused on the end result, but we aren’t taught the process it takes to get there. Especially if what you need to succeed is wildly different.
You may have been taught that success is created by motivation and discipline, but not how to create motivation and discipline.
When your child find the right “thrive formula” for their unique body, brain, and life situations, things will actually start to change.
Imagine your child...
Developing healthy habits that they actually enjoy and do on their own without you needing to hassle them.
Feeling and doing their best, with much less struggle and suffering.
Having actual hope for the future. Not "faking it until they make it”, but having genuine confidence and making concrete progress.
Actually liking themselves. Feeling genuine pride and love for who they are.
Thinking and doing in new ways that allow them to reach their goals, even when they have bad days and setbacks.
Getting schoolwork turned in on time and completing their diploma or degree.
Building a life of joy and purpose that works for their unique personality and needs.
And the best part is when they discover the right thrive formula for them, they can use it for the rest of their life, long after coaching is done.
Meet Bonnie
Hi, I’m Bonnie and I've been through challenges myself.
I had major health problems and was deeply stuck for many years. I had to leave college, had to get help with everything like washing my own hair or opening a car door, and thought I’d never be able to get a job or live on my own. I also struggled with perfectionism, people-pleasing, overworking, and procrastination.
But I eventually found a way out of the abyss.
You shouldn’t have to figure out everything on your own like I did. That said, I don’t assume that everything that worked for me would work for you. Everybody’s different.
So instead of telling you what to do, I combine my experience with professional coaching skills to help you find your unique answers and craft your personalized life plan.
Instead of telling you what to do or abandoning you to figure it out on your own, I will walk alongside you.
Coaching kept me on track with my schoolwork.
I’m in a much better place than I would have been if I hadn’t done coaching with you. I can now put my energy into actually doing my schoolwork rather than spending it all repairing emotional damage from beating myself up.
School is hard but it’s only hard because there’s so much work to be done. It’s not hard because there’s so much work to be done AND I feel horrible about myself.
--- David [Coaching Client]
Age 32, Graduate Student
Coaching Focus: Completing graduate coursework while navigating challenges with executive function and neurodivergence
Who I Work With
Illnesses, injuries, and other health issues
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Pain, fatigue, brain fog
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Life-altering injuries
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Undiagnosed health conditions
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Chronic Illnesses and rare diseases
ADHD and Executive Functioning
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Focus
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Procrastination
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Motivation
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Time and energy management
Overachievers & Perfectionists
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Stress and Overwhelm
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Difficulties completing projects
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Sacrificing self and health for others
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Balancing well-being with success
Other Challenges & Goals
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Anxiousness and thought spirals
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Negative self talk and self worth
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Making difficult decisions
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Finding purpose and meaning
Important Note
Mental Health Conditions | I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist. I see clients with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions on a case-by-case basis depending on if their needs needs align with my ethical scope of practice as a Life Coach.
I no longer feel dread or hopelessness every time I get an episode of fatigue or brain fog.
You totally expanded my mind when it came to thinking about work and school while dealing with illnesses and the mystery around it. I’ve developed a greater ability to listen to the needs of my mind and body and make adjustments proactively to make sure I don’t push myself past my limit.
Rather than thinking I need to push myself super hard all the time I’m able to be gentle with myself when that’s called for, and in turn I avoid stress-induced injury, fatigue and burn out.
--- Elizabeth [Former Employee]
Age 22, Undergraduate Student & Office Worker with Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety & Mystery Respiratory Illness
What Exactly IS Coaching?
Coaching is “talking for the sake of doing”.
It's a specific process that helps you connect to your own wisdom, mobilize your existing strengths, and take action. All for the purpose of living your version of your best life.
My coaching approach revolves around what I call the Client's "North Star"
This is a topic that the client wants to work on together. A North Star can take many forms, such as:
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A change you want to make
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A way of being you want to cultivate
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A success you want to expand on
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A question you want to answer
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A knowledge or skill you want to build
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A goal you want to achieve
(And if you're not sure what to focus on, not to worry! I can help you pick something that feels good!)
Weekly coaching sessions are a series of structured conversations that help you make progress towards your North Star
They are flexible enough for you to be yourself and think creatively...
... with just the right amount of structure to maintain focus and momentum.
I bring in nonjudgmental open ended questions to help you think, as well as exercises, activities, and mini educational lessons.
Clients leave each session with:
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New learnings
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One action step for the next week that moves you closer to your North Star
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A simple, realistic plan for implementing that action step without stress or burnout
At the end of sessions, clients often report feeling lighter, clearer, or more or energized
What Coaching Is NOT
Life Coaching is not Medical or Mental Healthcare
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed healthcare practitioner of any kind
I do not diagnose, treat, or heal medical or mental health conditions
I do not give medical or mental health advice
Life Coaching is not a replacement for healthcare from a licensed practitioner
My clients and online audience should always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning, changing, or discontinuing a treatment plan
Also, I am not a dietitian, nutritionist, or personal fitness trainer
I do not provide advice, diets, or exercise routines related to nutrition & fitness.
How It Works
Format
Online over
Phone or Zoom
Client Location
Anywhere in the United States
Timeline
Once per week for 3 months
Program Structure
The focus, pace, and style of my coaching is customized to meet each client's unique personality, interests, and needs. While there is no set curriculum, our work together does have a clear beginning, middle, and end:
Intake Session - We get to know each other and talk about how we can make this experience comfortable, fun, and meaningful for you. We also choose what you want to focus on during our time together, which I call your "North Star".
12 Coaching Sessions (45 minutes each, once per week) - We break down your "North Star" into smaller, more manageable pieces. Each coaching session focuses on one of the pieces and ends with you mapping out an action you'll take over the next week in the direction of your desired outcome.
Week by week, these small steps build to powerful, lasting results. By the end of the 3 month program, you will have accomplished the goal or "North Star" that you set for yourself!
Along the way, we check-in celebrate the small wins and make any adjustments that might be necessary.
Closing Celebration Session - We end by reflecting on your growth, celebrating your accomplishments, and mapping out where you want to go from here.
Pricing
3 Month Coaching Package
1 Intake Session - 90 minutes
12 Coaching Sessions - 60 minutes each
1 Closing Session - 90 minutes
Text and Email support between sessions
2 Bonus Coaching Sessions for Parent or other Support Person
Coordination with Client's Healthcare Providers (if needed)
$1,650
Payment is due in full prior to the start of coaching
Payment Plans available upon request
I accept PayPal, Bank Transfer, or Check
Getting Started
If what you've read so far feels like a breath of fresh air, let's talk!
The free 30 minute consultation is a friendly, casual opportunity to learn more about life coaching, go over the specifics of your situation, and find out if my services can make a difference in your life.
Here’s what to expect
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I’ll ask you about your health condition and how it’s impacting you
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You can ask me any questions you like
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If we seem like a good fit for each other, I’ll share specifics of how I can help
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If I determine that coaching isn't the best approach for your situation, I'll refer you to other professionals and resources that may be able to help.
Consultations with me are designated “No Pressure Zones”. The goal is to connect and explore. No manipulative sales tactics. No pressure to make a decision if you’re not ready.
Hope to meet you soon!