What is a life coach?

As a Certified Life Coach I am both a mentor and motivator. I help people to move through issues that have kept them stuck in various areas of life, whether emotional, social, professional or spiritual. I help clients in life-transitions to shift out of the fear of the unknown and, instead, to embrace “newness” with confidence and hopefulness. I help to provide clarity and direction, as I guide clients in goal-setting while also providing a consistent place for accountability and support.

My Journey to Becoming a Life Coach Began as a Food Professional

Years ago, in addition to teaching cooking/baking classes out of my home, I as a volunteer, taught culinary arts to male inmates at the correctional facility on Rikers Island. Because there was no culinary program for the female population, and because I envisioned mothers with children waiting for them after their release, I decided to start my own charitable, not-for-profit company called Hands-On-Food, Inc. My first project was to build and help sustain a teaching kitchen on the female side of Rikers, where I taught monthly cooking classes for eleven years. It was over this span of time that my life’s work would deepen.

In my classes on Rikers, I quickly realized that these young women needed to learn much more than how to cook and bake. They needed to learn how to love and respect themselves and others. They needed to trust that, regardless of why they arrived at this place, they were still able to heal and not only create change for themselves, but for the generations to follow –If they did the work. The more I saw the potential (and inner struggle) of those enmeshed in darkness, the more confronted (and frustrated) I became with my own inner frailties.

I knew something was missing.

I started searching for more. Not more things to do-I was plenty busy between work and family! It was finally time for me to grow on the inside beyond being someone skilled in the kitchen, or on a TV set or in a radio studio. Not just as a mother or wife. Though I was very good at being there for others, I knew deep down that I wasn’t nearly as kind to myself and that I had a lot of emotional unraveling and re-building to do.

So, with the same sense of determination and curiosity I had when learning the art of cooking, I started my “personal growth” journey. I began reading every self-help book that resonated with me-I would relentlessly examine my inner language and force myself to opt-out of old habitual perceptions-and reactions. The art of being proactive became something I decided to view as a legitimate sport-And, like when I started to soar on my own in the kitchen, as I became more emotionally muscular, I put the books away and honed the very specific tools for positive change that were working for me.

Eventually, as when I became a cooking teacher, I was asked to share what I knew about self-mastery with others. Although I officially began life-coaching years ago to those incarcerated, I have since brought the proactive tools needed for positive change to people just like you and me.

How I can help You

Because of my own personal growth journey, combined with what I’ve learned from working with people from all walks of life (and in several capacities)-I know this for sure: You don’t need to be literally locked up to be in a dark, insecure or unfulfilling place.

In our life coaching sessions, I can:

  • Teach you how to heal old, historic wounds and get control of the quality of your inner and outer life.
  • Help you to rediscover and clearly define what you really want, identify what’s in your way and then guide and support you as you navigate the path in between.
  • Teach you the dynamics behind your inner dialogue so you can stop warring with yourself and with others.
  • Give you tools to help you wake up each day and go to bed at night excited and energized about your potential.
  • Help you to replace blame with forgiveness-and even gratitude.
  • Support you, as you embrace the effort it takes to grow and to eventually win at this daily game we call life.

Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Hell, yes!!

Hear from those who've worked with me...

I think of you often. Cooking continues to be great therapy for me; and I find that I am getting more and more skilled (and it is more and more fun!) I recently lost a close ski buddy (after a long battle with breast cancer) and it was very tough. I remembered your story quite a long time ago about baking bread for a friend’s husband who was very ill in the hospital. And how therapeutic kneading the dough was, and how healing something homemade good can be. It’s amazing how you can lose your grief, at least for a little while, as you prepare something wonderful in the kitchen. (We just treated ourselves to a gigantic new Cuisinart - a 16 cupper!).

I can never express in words the incredible depth of the impact you’ve had, and continue to have on my life, and the lives of my stepchildren and family. Thanks for teaching me to believe in the power of home cooking...

- Kathi E., Scotch Plains, New Jersey, life, kitchen

My global auto-searches picked up a great article on the Riker’s Island Culinary program you founded. I never stop being amazed about how you are able to change lives, and I often mention to my husband what a great gift I garnered from working with you, and learning from you. You’ve changed mine/our life so profoundly, that I often find myself cooking as a way of relieving stress. It takes over the mind and the body and becomes all-encompassing, freeing the soul and pushing out any resident negative feelings. I have become quite the chef - I can now cook many things that are “my own,” independent of cookbooks and recipes, and I find great creative energy in finding my own way around a dish. Yesterday, after a week filled with challenges and some minor but frequent angst, I decided to make Quiche Lorraine (I use the classic “basic quiche” Julia Child recipe as a starting point) with bacon and onions simply because I know (because I learned it from you), that the smell of those two ingredients cooking in the kitchen would be incredibly restorative. It was. For both of us. Amazing.

- Robin, life, kitchen

I have known Lauren for many years, and she has always been a source of support and inspiration to me. I admire the way she can articulate her thoughts so easily. I think of her as a perennial student, going outside of her comfort zone, challenging herself, striving for the knowledge of life. Recently I began having major issues with my teenage son. Lauren was there for me. She is a great listener, and she remembers everything you tell her. So when I was feeling overwhelmed and confused she could center me with concrete solutions to my problem at hand. I often wish I could keep her in my back pocket and pull her out at difficult moments. She just always seems to have the right answers or the right questions to help me on my journey towards healing. Lauren lives in the moment…and her guiding words of wisdom come from a loving place...you can feel it.

- Annie I., White Plains, NY, life

I have known Lauren Groveman  for many years through her cookbooks and her website.  She has always shown me complete encouragement when replying to questions that I‘ve asked when it comes to one of her recipes. Always in a professional manner, she would always find time to respond in a kind and professional way.

I noticed she now offers Life Coaching services. Not knowing what that was, I contacted Lauren for more information. She explained the process of Life Coaching and, after listening, I decided that I could benefit with some coaching myself in areas of my life that I want to  improve. After 3 sessions with Lauren she has motivated me to look both inside and outside of myself and has helped me to focus on my power to make better choices and on setting goals.  Lauren has helped me to recognize that the buck stops with me in responsibility on several issues, and she also has given me a redirection with my thought process, including how to apply that in my everyday life. But  mostly she listens and, again, she responds in an encouraging and professional way. You can tell that Lauren loves what she does and it shows. She is very genuine. Her spirit matches her actions as a Life Coach. She really cares and wants to be there for you!  Having Lauren Groveman as a Life Coach I believe would be a great investment if you want to improve yourself.

- Jackie O., Soldotna, AK, life

I am a 29-year-old woman living in Manhattan with my fiancé. I am currently working as an administrator for a hedge fund although my true passions are cooking, decorating, writing, planning menus and all other things domestic. It is so nice to hear you discuss the importance of a good home and shared meals, I feel like they aren’t honored enough. Your words and advice made me feel proud of my feelings and gave me faith. You've inspired me to stick to my guns and remain grounded and I wanted to thank you for that.

- Jill T., Manhattan, life

I just wanted to say thank you Lauren for all that you have contributed to me & my family over the past couple of years. Though we have never met in person, we have been so blessed through your videos and emails. I know you are a busy person and have so much going on. I'm sure your family would love even more of your time, but please let them know for me how very much we appreciate them sharing you with folks like us. You have touched me & my family so dearly & we have implemented so many of the things you talk about in your teaching into our daily life & it has made a huge impact in our family & in the lives of those we care about as well. Again, thank you so much for your generousity and for always taking time to care! And know that we are "paying it forward" in hopes to love those in our community who need a hand up as well.

Thanks again for all you do!

- R. Watson, life

Working with Lauren has truly been a life-changing experience. I initially signed up to work with Lauren in the hopes of becoming a better version of myself but without a lot of clarity of what that meant. Through a very simple exercise in my first session we were quickly able to determine the areas in my life that needed attention. In my sessions with Lauren, I have learned that I have the power to shape areas in my life that I thought were beyond my control. After practicing the very specific tools that Lauren teaches, I now have a newfound peace that I never thought was obtainable. If you are serious about growing and follow Lauren’s process you will not be disappointed!

- Anna F., life

I always say that taking cooking/life lessons with you was one of best things that I've ever done. I continue to cook your wonderful food and receive so many compliments on it. Everyone in my life hears about you and the impact that you've had.

- Erin I., Larchmont, New York, life, kitchen, learn

I have known Lauren for many years, and she has always been a source of support and inspiration to me. I admire the way she can articulate her thoughts so easily.

- A. Innes, life

Your words and advice made me feel proud of my feelings and gave me faith. You've inspired me to stick to my guns and remain grounded and I wanted to thank you for that.

- Jill T., Manhattan, life

[Lauren] You are so special and your advice is PERFECT!

- Kathy K., Chicago, life, kitchen

Working with Lauren can change your life! Her knowledge is always on point and I’m so impressed with her dedication-She always comes from a place of love which makes me feel safe. She inspires me by being a living example of success.

- Jan B, life

Having Lauren as my life coach has been life changing! I began sessions with Lauren because I am at a stage in life where I felt lost. My kids are grown and my husband and I hadn’t been enjoying each other the way we did years ago. I was questioning a lot about my life, wanting to find a purpose beyond being a mother and a wife. Lauren helped me so much!! I’m now volunteering regularly, have made some new friends and have become so much happier as a person that my relationship with my husband has really improved. We actually started dating each other!! Sounds funny but Lauren helped us both to remember why we fell in love in the first place. If contemplating working with Lauren, I urge you to do it-you’ll be glad you did!

- Sharon M. , life

What a gift working with Lauren has been! Her kindness, strength, dedication and wisdom have helped me so much- I love her and I’m sure you will too!

- Janet G., life

Get in touch with me

If you're interested in one of my services, or you'd just like to reach out about a recipe or an ongoing struggle in your life, please do so. I read each and every message personally.
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