Theta Healer Debbie Talalay gets to know Holistic Wellness Coach Geri LaVee

What made you become the expert you are in your field? Why did you start offering this service?

In my opinion, for someone to call themselves an expert, they don’t only need academic qualifications for their respective profession; they need personal experiences. This is absolutely true for my case.

In the span of 1 year, I went from being a consultant to being a wellness coach. My background is in business management consultancy; 3 degrees in English literature, business administration and EMBA; 19 years worth of experience in project management, market entry services and business development. But upon the birth of my second child, things changed.

Personal issues with hormonal imbalance, weight gain and the varying moods that followed, all lead to my spark of interest towards beginning to live a healthier lifestyle.

The changes were not only personal, but also professional. I completed an additional degree and became a certified wellness coach. Following this came the early symptoms of perimenopause, with which I struggled for quite some time. In consequence, I acquired knowledge and experience in this aspect of life, and decided to help other women in my position. And this is how I ended up where I am now!

I work with women over the age of 35, who want to get their life back.

What are the core benefits of your service to your clients? Start with the MOST important benefit, and explain how your work impacts the lives of others.

My clients say that they are gaining control over their lives once again, which is the greatest benefit for them. During the perimenopause and the menopause women endure many changes in their body, their mood, their longings and their dreams. Simultaneously, they feel as if they’re losing the soil beneath their feet. This is why my advice and my work help them feel like they’re themselves again. The other benefits are related to reaching their optimum weight, improving their sleep and the return of confidence in themselves.

What advice to you have for others in your line of work? How could you best mentor them?

My general advice is: You can do it! Everything is possible. Don’t stop believing in yourself! I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. My job becomes very easy if you believe and set yourself up for change. This way, we reach the goals you set, together. I do, of course, give advices. But, I truly believe that hand in hand with the client the changes will really happen. We reach the established goal together and I can see a smile upon my client’s face.

What are the key drivers of people who use your service? What makes them take that first step to come to see you or access your offerings?

My clients are women who are surprised in a way by the changes which happen with their bodies and minds at a certain time in their lives. Most of the time they don’t expect this to happen at the age of 35, or even earlier. And naturally, they think there’s something wrong with them. After going through all those ‘onslaughts’, doctor appointments and chaotic internet browsing for the reasons behind the changes, they decide to seek other professional help. They find me through the internet or through recommendations, which is the preferred alternative to me, as that way, they tend to open up easier and work more smoothly with me.

I work predominantly online. This economizes time, effort and resources. Most of my clients are out of the UK, and this is the only way for me to work with them. Though, this is also the preferred way of work in London, for the same reasons. Of course, I still communicate face to face with some of my clients here, especially with those who have chosen my three-month coaching programme, or those who have chosen a one-day VIP programme (6 hours of intensive coaching, carried out at a private club in Central London).

Apart from my coaching career, I organise retreats, combining my coaching sessions with activities such as yoga, meditation and cooking for perimenopause and menopause. I organise these retreats in collaboration with a leading nutritionist and a yoga instructor.

What is your vision for the future regarding your work? What do you intend to achieve?

I am of the belief that experts like me will always be looked for. In fact, I believe that our help will be ever more appreciated by our clients. What I want to achieve is that I want to reach out to more women, to tell them that what they are going through is a completely natural process, which should be looked at with different eyes. Being this age is wonderful; it brings new beginnings – professionally, personally, spiritually and emotionally. I believe that this change can be beautiful, happy and calm.

What kind of collaborations are you looking for? What other professionals would compliment your work with clients? What other ways would you like to support your clients?

I would be happy to work with people who add value to my services – doctors, homeopaths, practicing alternative medicine. Occasionally, my clients require such intervention. When I realise that I am not the one that can help them fully, I need these professionals, and I turn to my partners. I also happily work with representatives of the beauty industry – clinics, cosmetic centres, fitness halls, massage studios. This enables me to offer my client services, which are holistic by origin. Nutritionists also play a large role in what I do. They help me out in instances when my qualifications don’t match the situation at hand, such as nutritional disorders, etc. I am open and willing to work with other professionals, who could add on to my services.