In simple terms, coaching is a professional partnership that maximizes human potential. Similar to how personal trainers are employed to help people get physically healthier and in shape, coaches are employed to help people reach specific personal or professional goals.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching is not mentoring, consulting, training, psychotherapy or counseling. Coaching can be similar to these different modalities in that they may share the end goals of growth and development; however, the focus and process of coaching are different in very distinct ways. Therapy (psychotherapy, counseling, etc.) tends to focus on past traumas and healing, as well as supporting clients with healing psychological diagnoses like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Coaches are not trained to heal psychological problems and make referrals to therapists when necessary. Coaching focuses on forward movement and taking action towards fulfillment of goals, dreams, and purpose.

Who should seek one-on-one coaching?

Anyone who is interested in gaining clarity about something in their life, or needing support to reach a specific goal, or simply feeling stuck and not knowing how to move forward might seek one-on-one coaching. You may want to make changes, increase your income, or advance your career. Perhaps you want to develop a deeper understanding of self and your life – or your connection to something greater. Maybe you’re interested in overcoming obstacles that keep you from reaching your goals, or need an accountability partner to build better habits to get to where you want to be. There are a myriad of reasons why people seek coaching, and no two reasons are the same. Schedule a free 30-mins consultation to see if coaching is right for you!

What can I expect to get out of working with a coach?

Coaching offers deep exploration into personal and professional ambitions. It allows you to tap into your own resourcefulness to find answers so you can take steps towards action. Check out some testimonials to learn more about how coaching has helped other women of color.

About Michelle Matos — The Matos Method

About Michelle

I coach women of color to recognize and explore their own power.

With over 20 years of experience leading operations and marketing teams within top global companies and community-based organizations, I have an aptitude for navigating complex spaces and championing leaders toward success.
I founded The Matos Method because as a queer Afro-Latina, I believe that women of color deserve coaching and developmental opportunities that affirm, support, and celebrate the unique qualities that make us who we are.
As a coach, my greatest joy is witnessing women of color connect to their power, develop a sense of purpose, and act with clarity. We all have the capacity to shape our own lives and reimagine our collective futures.

The Matos Method Coaching Principles

Honesty

Without honesty, it’s damn near impossible to establish trust and accountability – two necessary components of any coaching relationship. On my journey from direct service work to corporate leadership, my approach has always been to lead with candor and care. Maybe it's my Jersey roots or my years as a community organizer in Brooklyn, but I don't believe that being "genuine" and "gracious" are irreconcilable.

Understanding

Because my own journey has involved so many twists, turns, and reinventions, I have a special ability to relate to people no matter where they are in life. As a queer Afro-Latina from an immigrant working-class background, I know what it takes to navigate and overcome barriers to success. During coaching sessions, I listen for what matters most to grasp understanding, acknowledge your unique experience, and hold space for intuition to emerge.

Encouragement

I’ve been there – "the only one in the room" in professional, activist, and athletic spaces. I know that we can’t win alone, which is why I’m so committed to helping women take the next step toward reaching their goals. I’ll challenge you to see beyond what you may be able to see for yourself. As we work together, you’ll set intentions for specified areas of your life and we’ll make definitive plans to get there that are measurable, time-bound, and worth celebrating.

“If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”

— Toni Morrison

In the Field

Michelle is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in Business and Non-Profit management. She has successfully led teams to launch new products and services in a Fortune 9 company and across various community-based organizations.

Michelle holds an MBA in General Management, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies, and is a graduate of the AT&T Leadership Development Program, a nationally-recognized top-tier rotational program for recent MBA graduates with outstanding leadership potential.

She is a CTA certified professional coach who is committed to guiding women of color towards identifying and attaining personal, career, and financial goals, and is also a youth mentor with Minds Matter Los Angeles.

Michelle is an East Coast transplant currently residing in Los Angeles, CA.