Geetika Goyal is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her passion, dedication, and creativity.
Her path from physics postgraduate to celebrated life coach exemplifies the power of following one’s true calling. With a foundation in analytical thinking and a flair for creativity inherited from her mother, she embarked on a mentoring journey that naturally evolved into a thriving coaching career. Her customized approach, which blends traditional coaching with art and theatre based techniques, resonates deeply with her diverse clientele, including individuals, groups, and corporate teams.
Her personal battle with clinical depression in 2009 marked a pivotal turning point, leading to the creation of her studio, Magic Creations. This transformative experience taught her the importance of embracing vulnerability and self acceptance. Today, she holds prestigious awards such as the “Women Coach of the Year” and “International Woman Life Coach Award for 2024”. It’s a testament to her impact and dedication.
Her coaching is pretty unique. Specializing in helping Empty Nester moms, she offers a unique woman to woman connection, guiding them through their life transitions with empathy and creativity. Her sessions not only help clients rediscover their inner child but also empower them to envision a fulfilling future. Through her innovative blend of therapeutic art and theatre, she facilitates profound personal growth, proving that it’s never too late to embark on a journey of self discovery. Here is what she said.
Meet Life Coach Geetika Goyal:
Name: Geetika Goyal, (ACC) ICF, Therapeutic art Life Coach, Empty Nesters Coach
Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind, The Heart
Who is this coach for: Empty nester moms who want to learn how to navigate their feelings, reconnect with their inner child, and rediscover their path in life.
How they can help: By using various coaching tools and techniques as well as art and theatre based tools.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
Back to normal.
There were setbacks, losses, but the life moved on.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
It was a challenging period for everyone, myself included.
In person sessions had to stop abruptly, but technology brought about a significant revolution.
All coaching sessions transitioned to an online platform.
Coaching services thrived during the pandemic for two reasons:
First, people were at home and could manage time for such sessions.
Second, it was a time of distress, and everyone needed emotional and resilience support.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
- Life is unpredictable, live it fully each day.
- Prioritize your health.
- Remember to show yourself some love too.
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
I hold a postgraduate degree in Physics from IIT Roorkee, one of India’s premier institutions.
My studies in Physics fostered a strong analytical and experimental mindset.
However, I realized in my final year that my true calling lay elsewhere, and I decided to follow my heart.
Creativity comes naturally to me, a trait I inherited from my mother, who always sought unique approaches in everything she did, from our birthday party outfits to adding quotes to our essays.
Inspired by her, I embraced a creative approach in my mentoring journey.
When I began mentoring, I recognized that each individual is unique and cannot be fitted into a single mould.
This realization led me to design customized modules for my mentees and coachees.
Seven years ago, during my coach training, I discovered that my methods closely aligned with coaching methodologies, making the transition from mentoring to coaching seamless.
I earned my first coaching certification from Regal Unlimited Bangalore in 2016, and after rigorous training and practice, I received my ACC accreditation from the International Coaching Federation in 2021.
I work with individuals, mixed groups, and corporate teams.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
In 2009, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, marking a very challenging period in my life.
I often felt confused about my purpose and direction.
Days were lethargic, and nights were sleepless.
One day, my physician informed me that I was clinically healthy and that the mental struggle was something only I could overcome.
He said, “Only you can break this vicious cycle.”
That moment, I decided to take control of my life.
The next morning, I chanted the Buddhist mantra I follow, and with a determined mindset, I sat down with my laptop to make something meaningful of my life.
That was the day I conceived the idea for my studio, Magic Creations, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
That experience was a turning point for me.
It taught me an invaluable lesson: it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
I learned that I don’t have to be smiling and strong all the time and that having a negative outlook on some things is perfectly fine.
After that episode, I promised myself never to fall into that pit again.
Today:
Women Coach of the year award, 2024
International Woman Life Coach Award, 2024
Ratan Sharma Bal Sahitya Puraskar
Yuva sahityakar puraskar
Rajasthan Sahitya Academy Award
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
As an exhibiting painter, published author, and performing theatre artist, creativity is inherently woven into my sessions.
My coaching integrates both traditional coaching techniques and art and theatre based tools.
This combination provides a hands on learning experience for my clients, ensuring a lasting impact.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
In addition to being an ICF credentialed coach, I am a certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach and an Empty Nester coach.
I uniquely blend fundamental coaching techniques with art and theatre based tools.
I offer custom designed modules and sessions tailored to each client’s needs.
My approach encompasses both life coaching and facilitation.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
My clients discover their highest potential after working with me, particularly within the niche of Empty Nesters.
Having personally navigated this journey, I establish a deep connection with my clients.
I mainly work with empty nester moms, fostering a unique woman to woman bond and comfort.
Through my artistic approach, clients reconnect with their inner child, gain a deeper understanding of their present self, and create a meaningful action plan for a fulfilling future.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, I use art and theatre based tools.
The Niche:
What inspired you to specialize in coaching Empty Nester moms, and what unique challenges do they face during this life transition?
When your children leave home, it’s natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions.
The empty nest phase is a significant life transition, and with it comes a complex blend of feelings, sadness, relief, loneliness, and even excitement.
It’s important to acknowledge and accept these emotions as part of the process.
Having been through that journey, I know how tough that phase can be, if not dealt with self empathy.
As a life coach, I often meet mothers who are going through this transitional phase.
And being a woman, I can hear them very clearly.
Coaching an empty nester mom not only brings immense satisfaction, but also marks my contribution towards the life transformation of a mother, leading to a transformed household.
Can you share a success story from your work with an Empty Nester mom that highlights the impact of your coaching?
Confidentiality and coaching ethics do not allow me to share the story of a client.
All I can say is that when these women find their own voices in a way that they themselves were not aware of, the rewards are phenomenal.
How do you incorporate art and theatre based tools specifically to address the needs of Empty Nester moms in your coaching sessions?
I am a certified therapeutic art life coach and an exhibiting painter myself for the last 23 years.
Colour, lines, shapes and forms speak to me naturally.
I take my clients through a process of self awareness using paints with a disclaimer that we are not looking for artistic skills.
When it comes to expression, there is nothing right or wrong.
My clients are encouraged to just be themselves and express their emotions on canvas without any self judgement.
Once that acceptance is achieved, the process becomes easier.
Next comes their analysis and interpretation of the colours they chose.
And then, they are taken through a journey of creating a vision for the future.
All this happens using colours, lines, theatre based expressions and journaling.
The purpose of these sessions is to coach and facilitate their journey from being ‘mom to me’ once again.
What are some common misconceptions about Empty Nest Syndrome, and how do you help your clients navigate these misunderstandings?
Empty Nest Syndrome is often misunderstood, with several common misconceptions surrounding it.
Many believe that all parents will experience this syndrome, yet not everyone does.
Some may rather feel a sense of relief or excitement about new opportunities.
Another misconception is that it is solely negative, when, in fact, many parents discover positive aspects like renewed focus on personal interests and relationships.
It is also wrongly assumed that only mothers are affected, while fathers can experience it too, albeit in different ways.
The idea that feeling sadness or loss signifies over dependence on children is a misconception.
Such emotions are natural responses to a significant life transition.
Moreover, Empty Nest Syndrome is not a permanent state, its intensity often diminishes as parents adapt to their new circumstances.
Helping clients navigate these misunderstandings involves normalizing their feelings, encouraging them to explore new hobbies, and fostering their personal growth and independence.
What advice would you give to Empty Nester moms who are just beginning their journey and seeking to rediscover their purpose and passions?
Whether you’re a working mom or a homemaker, this is a unique opportunity for self discovery and growth.
Reflect on interests and hobbies you may have set aside and explore new activities that spark your curiosity.
Reconnect with friends or build new social networks for support.
Engage in activities like taking a class, volunteering, or pursuing a new hobby.
Set personal goals related to fitness, travel, or learning new skills to find a renewed sense of purpose.
Focus on your own needs and desires, rediscovering who you are beyond your role as a parent.
Lastly, consider seeking support from a life coach or counsellor to help navigate this journey and uncover new paths to fulfilment and joy.
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
Stop pretending.. Be yourself!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
Be yourself, and everything else will fall into place.
There’s no need to pretend to be someone you’re not.
While we often gain this wisdom later in life, it’s better late than never
Your final thoughts?
I am passionate about working closely with empty nester moms, a group that holds a special place in my heart.
I want to raise awareness that empty nest syndrome, although not clinically recognized, is a real experience.
It can affect anyone, regardless of how prepared they feel, often catching them by surprise.
Therefore, it’s wise to start preparing for this transition well in advance.
Where Can You Find Geetika Goyal?
If you liked this interview and you are an empty nester mom who wants to rediscover her path and learn how to navigate her feelings, go to https://www.geetikagoyal.com/ and see how coach Geetika can help you.
If you’d like to peak a glimpse of her coaching, follow her Instagram account and YouTube channel.
And if you’d like to connect with her more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or by sending her a message on her Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with her.