What is Life Consulting?

Life Consulting is an inner healing modality. Unlike therapists, we do not diagnose mental illness or prescribe medication, as we are not medical professionals. What personal trainers are for the body, Life Consultants are for a person's nervous system. Our role is to help you learn how to regulate your own nervous system, cultivate compassionate self-talk, and take ownership of your thoughts, beliefs, and choices. These are essential skills that everyone can develop, but many struggle with, especially if they did not receive positive modeling in childhood. A Life Consultant provides the necessary modeling of compassion, ownership, and nervous system regulation.

Where did it come from?

Life Consulting is a healing modality founded by Justin and Abi Stumvoll. Justin and Abi have expertly crafted Life Consulting, drawing from their profound personal journeys of emotional healing and growth. Their transformative approach has been successfully replicated in the lives of thousands of clients.

“Life Consulting is about helping people grow in connecting to themselves. We always have the power to grow in our relationship with ourselves, no matter what the circumstances are or what the people around us are doing. The more we understand our emotions, triggers, survival responses, and our story the more we can repair and reconcile with ourselves. The more connected we are to ourselves the more:

• We can pause our primal reactions and respond from our more authentic selves.

• Our intuitive navigation system can lead us toward the growth and healing we need. 

• We become drawn towards people who want to love and care for us the way that we do. 

• We can love and care for others in deeper, more meaningful ways.”

-Abi Stumvoll

Understanding that the most effective Life Consultants are those who have navigated their own healing journeys, Justin and Abi emphasize the importance of continuous self-discovery. They advocate for a deep understanding of personal triggers, the ability to process emotions authentically, and the cultivation of compassion and personal accountability, all while fostering a non-judgmental mindset. In the Life Consulting Master Class, Life Consulting Students are guided through a rigorous process of self-exploration. Before they can assist others, they must first gain insight into their own emotions and triggers. This foundational first hand experience equips them to support clients effectively and compassionately, because we have been in our client’s shoes.

More on Life Consulting’s Methodology:

As Life Consultants, our approach is rooted in Polyvagal Theory, which recognizes the intricate connection between the nervous system, body, thoughts, and emotions. We prioritize safety and nervous system regulation, incorporating somatic practices to acknowledge the interconnectedness of our being.

Our compassionate approach stems from the understanding that every individual's actions make sense within the context of their unique experiences and nervous system responses. Even when we don't have the full picture, we assume that each person's behavior is a logical response to their circumstances. This mindset allows us to remain open, curious, and non-judgmental.

Our hope for positive transformation is grounded in the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change. We've witnessed this resilience in our clients and in our own lives. 

Our respect for each individual's autonomy, comes from recognizing that feelings of powerlessness often accompanies traumatic experiences. Regaining of a sense of autonomy is pivotal in the healing process. The more clients recognizing the choices they have in each moment, the more they see reduced anxiety, and increased sense of self and agency.

Our joyous celebration of our clients, can sometimes feel fake or over the top for new clients that are use to approval being sacares or non-existant, but we understand the cost of growth on a nervous system level, and know it is no small thing, to invest the time, energy, and effort. Litterally changing the landscape of their brains! And whatever we celabrate we invite more of.

Why Meet with a Life Consultant?

No one is hopelessly stuck in the cycles they learned in childhood. We all possess the ability to re-parent our belief systems and behavioral patterns, because our brains are neuroplastic. Life Consultants are equipped with a variety of re-parenting tools, and can assist you in practicing these methods repeatedly with them and on your own. Much like a personal trainer helps you refine a workout routine.

In the same way that you can explore workout plans and techniques online or in books on your own; you can also educate yourself about your nervous system through resources such as Anchored by Deb Dana or find nervous system regulation exercises on platforms like YouTube. And if you are not yet ready to meet with someone, I highly recommend starting with these resources. 

However, for those who have felt excessively responsible in life, or who have had to assume adult roles as children, the re-parenting process may feel more triggering than empowering. Many individuals perceive re-parenting themselves as yet another responsibility they must navigate alone, which can be exhausting and overwhelming. 

In contrast, working with a Life Consultant alleviates this burden. You are not solely responsible for your emotional regulation; you can engage in co-regulation with your Life Consultant, who arrives at each session prepared and regulated. You are also not tasked with managing everyone else's emotions; during sessions. Your Life Consultant is capable of managing their own emotions, ensuring they do not rely on clients for emotional support or validation, as the client you get to be the focus of care and attention. This dynamic can be profoundly healing for those who have felt the weight of being responsible for their parents' emotional state.

If you have a critical inner voice, it often stems from how you were spoken to and responded to within your family of origin. If the environment you grew up in was an environment characterized by reactionary, critical, or aggressive responses, you may have internalized these behaviours and perpetuate them against yourself and others. A key benefit of working with a Life Consultant is experiencing their regulated and compassionate responses to your stories and emotions, and how they address miscommunications and conflict with you. Their kind and compassionate responses, provide a model that wasn’t available in childhood and helps re-pattern your current responses towards yourself and others.

I have personally experienced the transformative impact of my Life Consultant's guidance, often hearing their voice in my thoughts during challenging moments outside of our sessions. Even the non-verbal cue of gentle eyes that convey welcome instead of contempt, serves as a powerful form of re-parenting. 

You can get a taste of this impactful experience by booking a free first session today.