Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing Mariah Ambika. Mariah is a Life Coach, EFT Therapist, Sound Healer, and Yoga Teacher based in Eugene, Oregon.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Mariah: I offer Emotional Freedom Technique Individual sessions in person and over Skype or phone. I also teach EFT (aka “Tapping”) and do group workshops, sessions and retreats. I offer sound healing and Qi gong to support the integration of this powerful work. I work with a wide variety of people that are needing some kind of support on physical and/or emotional or spiritual levels.
Many clients come to me who are struggling with depression or anxiety, as well as addictions or a physical illness. People also are attracted to my work who are simply looking to ‘clear their energy’ so they can manifest or allow more easily in their lives what they deeply desire.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Mariah: My healing path as well as my curiosity in psychology and health & wellness sparked my interest! As a yoga instructor and energy healer, I was inspired to find practices that really support lasting positive change, and that could also reach many people at a time. When EFT showed up in my life, it was powerful for me because I found it so effective in supporting healing transformation on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. It also is a practice that people can take with them and learn to use on their own, which allows people to take responsibility for their own healing. Not just rely on a session here and there. But utilize it for their healing whenever works best for them. I went through a Beginning and Advanced Emotional Freedom Technique Certification course through my teacher, Sonya Sophia, who created the format for “EFT circles,” which are now being practiced all over the world.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Mariah: When people share with me the benefit they’ve received from our work together. Many people have spoken to how life-changing and transformational the sessions have been for them. When I feel healing shifts with my clients, it really lights me up! It’s beautiful work to offer, as it also continues to push me towards being my best self; for both my, and others’ benefits!
NCA: What is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Mariah: Advertising can feel daunting at times. So, I just use this practice to “Tap” and get over that hump! Also, generally, people really are into my offerings and are very appreciative. However, as with any work, we can’t expect to reach everyone. So it provides an opportunity to let go of expectations or “people pleasing” and just simply offer my gift! It will reach who it’s meant to!
When I feel healing shifts with my clients, it really lights me up! It’s beautiful work to offer, as it also continues to push me towards being my best self; for both my, and others’ benefits!
NCA: Can you think of mentor who was most vital to your success as a coach? In what ways did this mentor help you to thrive in your career?
Mariah: My Teacher Sonya Sophia is the one who got me into this work. I came across a class of hers and had a transformational experience. I knew from that moment on that it was for me and something I was meant to teach myself. She has a great understanding of the human mind and also can be very intuitive and connected spiritually as well.
I connect with this work on those deeper levels myself, so her work really spoke to me! It was inspiring working with her and cleaning up my own old sabotaging beliefs or traumas from the past. I find that ‘Clearing the Slate’ in these ways, can really open a person up to inviting in their lives what serves them most on emotional, physical and spiritual levels, supporting our empowerment. She helped me really connect deeper to the idea that if you “believe it” you can truly “see it!” I was then Inspired to really focus on my development as a Transformational healing guide.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Mariah: Practice what you preach! Make time for your own self care routine, whatever that may be for you. Believe in yourself, and Have Fun with it!
