Success Stories

Success Stories

See article in South Bay Health Magazine

When a good friend referred me to Danielle I thought I’d be getting a personal trainer to help me shape up and lose weight. What I got instead, as a result of Danielle’s life coaching skills and her personal integrity, was a health coach, and it has transformed my life.

When we met I had just completed two months of chemotherapy, had gained weight and was depressed and worried. I was going through a difficult divorce, and I was focused on all that had gone wrong in my life.

Danielle began helping me refocus my attention and energy on getting healthy, body, mind and soul. By re-evaluated the way I was living, I began to realize that I was wasting time and energy, and how much I had to gain by focusing on the positive healthy aspects of my life.

Danielle gave me encouragement, she helped me make difficult decisions that I was leaving unresolved, and she sent me help sheets to spur my progress to a better quality life. She trusted I would be true to myself, figure out what I needed, live in integrity, and honor myself and those around me.

Today I am a different person, a lot happier and positive. I look forward to getting up in the morning. I eat differently, I shop differently, I have a radiant smile and a can do point of view that makes everything a lot smoother. I’ve learned to say “no”, and set boundaries that protect my health and my self-esteem. I have reconnected with my children in a way I never expected. It is truly a miracle and it can happen in anyone’s life.

I still have a long way to go and I’m still working on self-care. But I am hopeful and enjoy everyday and value all that is here, now that I can see it.

I cannot begin to thank Danielle enough for the powerful impact she has made in my life, and by association the lives of my children and family. I do not hesitate to recommend Danielle to anyone who needs a safe, intelligent, deep thinking coach to help navigate the rough waters. She has what it takes.

Barbara K Robinson

Hermosa Beach, California

A few years ago my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following several surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and seven weeks of daily radiation treatments, I was left physically depleted, mentally exhausted and emotionally fragile. I had my work cut out for me. I knew I would have to rebuild myself - body, mind and spirit. Danielle came into my life when I needed her most. In the process of working with her, I discovered so much about myself. Step by step, Danielle guided me through the process of becoming a “whole person”. She helped me recognize how important personal accountability is to self-renewal. Danielle’s professionalism and genuine concern for my well being encouraged me to realize that everyday is an opportunity to begin anew, make better choices and take control of my life. I am grateful to have had Danielle as my life coach.

Mary Weinberg

Palos Verdes, California

I met Danielle about 9 years ago. At that time, she was a master trainer at a gym located not far from where we live. Shortly after joining the gym, I was diagnosed with the early stage of Parkinson’s Disease. My neurologist was strongly oriented to treat the disease with medication, accompanied by a strong exercise program. The main focus of the exercise program was to

Strengthen muscles to compensate for abilities lost due to PD
Gain morale benefits
Anticipate future progressive loss of mobility

Furthermore, as seniors are prone to have multiple health problems, and I was no exception, Danielle designed a set of exercises specifically aimed at compensating for the effects of PD, as well as considering my other limitations.

The exercise plan was reviewed with Danielle regularily and appropriate changes were made to stimulate my body, as well as my interest. I regained range of motion in my shoulders and the PD stabilized. I was a happy camper. My neurologist, and my family were also pleased. An unexpected benefit of the exercise was my cholesterol numbers - all got in the normal range. This exercise program continued through August 2007.

Then the Parkinson’s Disease struck! This caused serious rigidity, stability and stamina problems. The extent of the disease’s effects and the rapidity of onset made it a major challenge to implement a program that maximizes capabilities against rapidly declining abilities.

With our neurologist’s urging, we set up a gym at home and arranged for Danielle to train me at home. Setting up a home gym can be complicated, expensive and take a long time. We have a treadmill. But the rest of the gym is made up of simple, inexpensive items that while not glitzy do the job. We have been in this mode since Oct 07. Danielle comes to our home twice a week (for an hour each time); with me doing a day a week of self-directed exercise. Emphasis is being placed on unfreezing the rigidity episodes and re-learning balance.

Danielle does very well in a complex environment of sorting out constructive action from conflicting chaos. She quickly identifies what the block is and rapidly applies corrective action. When I have a freeze problem, she’ll try every avenue of attack to solve it. She is able to be effective because she understands the muscles, their impact on the rest of the body and how her clients react to this. She doesn’t let backsliding* get her or her clients down. Danielle’s behavior is highly professional and at the same time friendly. She is very prompt, but at the same time readily works schedule conflicts. She is trustworthy – I‘m pleased to have her in my home.

Summary. I don’t know the detailed future impact of the Parkinson’s Disease, but I know I’ve got the right team working it. I ask them to give me the best capability they can, given the PD damage. Make no mistake - Parkinson’s Disease is a tough foe. Danielle gives me the best ability to successfully fight it.

*Backsliding - one month you attain a capability and a month later it's gone.

June 2008

Fred Kaufman

Rancho Palos Verdes. California

define yourself - health coaching - career coaching - 1-310 378 5610 - los angeles california

danielle@defineyourself-coaching.com