Monna McDiarmid

Hello, you lovely human.

Culture teaches us so many crazy things.

It tells us that the way to be successful and respected is to go to university, get a great job, get married, have children, buy a house in the “right” neighbourhood, serve on the PTA, wear appropriate clothing, get a “flattering” haircut, say (only) the right things… BUT the rules about all of the above are defined by others and constantly changing.

Our endeavours to meet the world’s demands has turned so many women into exhausted self-help energizer bunnies but what if…

You aren’t broken and you don’t need to be fixed.

Coaching with me looks like a gentle path from where you are now to where you want to go. Happiness, while important, is not the only indicator of a healthy and interesting life. I’m committed to supporting you as you seek transformation and thriving.

I'll help you tune into your body's wisdom, which many women have abandoned in favour of living from the neck up. We used to think the mind was the BOSS, that it was in charge of healing, and that we could talk ourselves into wellbeing. This view didn’t acknowledge the role of our ancient nervous systems and what happens when the nervous system does not believe we are safe.

My approach will help you distinguish between your social self—from which you are often operating on autopilot with long-held “shoulds” from childhood—and your essential self who is waiting to emerge.

Together, we'll identify limiting beliefs that keep you in a mental prison, establish healthier boundaries, and develop plans using turtle steps—small, tolerable actions that help build your confidence.

My most important tool is compassionate listening. I’ll use coaching tools including metaphors, storytelling, reframing, and ideal day dreaming. I'll support you in clarifying your wishes and values and hold you accountable while honouring that true change comes from your commitment to the process.

You are the expert on you. I will walk alongside you as you learn to slow down and trust yourself.