At the heart of the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute is our visionary leader and relationship coach, Jessica Yaffa. I sat down with Jessica to learn more about her personal and professional journey and how the institute came to be. In this post, we take you behind the scenes and share insights from our enlightening conversation. Whether you’re a current client or just getting to know the coaching institute, this is a chance to get to know the person behind it all.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey to creating the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute?
A: I have been in the mental health field for close to 25 years. During this time I’ve had my own profound experiences in therapy as well as having worked with many people who could say the same. It became apparent to me that while therapy is incredibly important and helpful when it comes to deeper work, may individuals and couples expressed feeling “stuck” or “unable to move forward” because they didn’t have the actual tools or skills to begin creating different patterns “in action”. This is where my interest in coaching began and has since blossomed into what the Institute is today.
Q: How has your personal experience shaped your approach to coaching and your philosophy on building healthy relationships?
A: First and foremost, healing isn’t linear. I have personally experienced the need/opportunity to explore certain beliefs or patterns as they reveal themselves over a long period of time. Coaching can be an incredibly profound place to put this knowledge or awareness into “action” as people are ready. In terms of my philosophy regarding the building of healthy relationships…I’d say the simplest way to express this would be that when we are able to practice feelings of safety and security with those who we are closest to, we have the ability to heal in some really incredible ways. However, we don’t often know what needs healing or how to get there without professional support.
Q: What vision did you have for the institute when you first founded it? How has this vision grown with the institute over the last 7 years?
A: When my coaching practice first came to be, it was me on my own. I had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples, families and organizations as a sole individual for the first 7 years of it’s existence. I then realized the profound impact that we could have if I were to expand and house other select coaching who possess similar philosophies and training, all while having their own unique gifts. This expansion has allowed us to reach larger numbers of people while also building this wonderful hub of like-minded individuals who are committed to this work! I’d love to see us become a “go to” space for resources related to ethical, specialized and trauma-informed coaching services that impact individuals, family systems and organizations on an international level!
Q: What do you think sets the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute apart from other coaching organizations?
A: Our training, ongoing commitment to learning, understanding our scope and willingness to not only own what we are great at, but also what we aren’t, or don’t know.
Q: What core values guide coaching at the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute?
A: Honesty, Transparency, Authenticity. Humility. Responsibility.
Q: What coaching strategies and techniques have you found to be the most effective in helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships?
A: Exercises specific to the building of connection, effective communication tools, support surrounding how to navigate conflict well, understanding attachment styles and supporting clients to model vulnerability as well as getting clear about their negotiable and non-negotiable boundaries, whether in personal relationships, work or other aspects of their lives.
Q: What are your goals for the coaching institute in the coming years? Do you have any new projects or programs on the horizon?
A: We just launched our weekend retreats in 2024 which have been profoundly successful. They have focused on women’s work thus far and we look forward to facilitating couples weekend workshops in 2025 as well. In addition, we are building out a second ICF accredited coaching course for those who are interested in doing this as a career (or part of). https://www.jessicayaffa.org/relationship-coaching-certification/
Q: What should individuals or couples seeking relationship coaching look for in a coach or program?
A: First and foremost, feelings of safety and being understood. The relationship between the individual/couple and their coach will be the most powerful tool in their ability to create and sustain change. If there isn’t trust and a sense of connection, the space that is required to really dig in can’t be accessed. Second, because coaching isn’t regulated at this point, it is important to understand the qualifications and training of the professional you are working with. Lastly, an understanding of coaching style/philosophy is also imperative. A good coach doesn’t tell you what to do, they ask really powerful questions along with offering the space for the client to come to their own sense of knowing and ability to trust themselves.
Q: If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, personal and/or professional, what would it be?
A: No one else can make you whole Jessica, nor can you do that for them.
Q: How can readers and aspiring coaches get involved with the institute or connect with you?
A: Reach out! Email, social media, text or a call… we love it all!
