Image of God
Every person bears irreducible worth (Genesis 1:27). Coaching begins in dignity, not deficit—whether or not we use those words aloud.
About
An introduction to the practice, and to the woman who keeps it.
AJ van Kleef
What I offer is trauma-informed mental health coaching and holistic life coaching for women living with C-PTSD, PTSD, trauma, stress, and anxiety. The work is whole-person: body, mind, heart, and story—and, when you welcome it, faith.
I am a clinical herbalist, trained by the world-renowned master herbalists Phyllis D. Light, MA, RH (AHG), and David Winston, RH (AHG). My background is in integrative health sciences and holistic nutrition through the American College of Healthcare Sciences, an accredited college devoted to evidence-based holistic health and wellness. I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, a trained AACC Mental Health Advocate, and I hold a Master Diploma in Mental Health Coaching: Trauma-informed Coaching from Light University of the AACC.
I am not a licensed therapist. This practice offers coaching and holistic care that can walk quietly beside the work you may already be doing with a therapist or psychiatrist. If another kind of help would serve you better, I will say so with care and help you find it.
We look after the whole person—rest, nourishment, clinical herbalism, pacing, and the nervous system—so that daily life can grow a little steadier. Faith may be part of our conversation if that feels like home to you. If it does not, we can work without religious language. You do not have to decide that before we begin.
How faith is held
Every person bears irreducible worth (Genesis 1:27). Coaching begins in dignity, not deficit—whether or not we use those words aloud.
Christian coaching is available. So is coaching that does not speak in religious language. You choose the register. It can change from season to season.
Prayer is welcome when you ask for it. Faith is not used to silence the body, minimize harm, or rush forgiveness.
Trauma-informed work protects choice, pacing, and consent. We notice activation in the nervous system. We do not push through it for the sake of a plan.
This is accompaniment alongside therapy or psychiatry when those are in place. It is not diagnosis, and it is not emergency care.
Healing is larger than any coach. Sleep, nourishment, herbs, boundaries, and trusted company belong to the work. We will not add striving that only repeats the harm.