When someone books in for coaching with me, they usually arrive with a clear idea of what they want to work on. Maybe it’s a relationship challenge, a big decision weighing on their mind, or one of those curveballs that life loves to throw at us.

And truthfully, I love those sessions. There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting with a client, diving into the intricacies of their story, untangling the knots, and watching clarity begin to take shape. We often uncover powerful insights together and map out actions that don’t just provide temporary relief, but genuine long-term change.

But here’s the twist most people don’t expect: sometimes the “main issue” isn’t actually the first thing we work on.

When Brain Fog Takes the Driver’s Seat

Let me paint a picture. A client shows up, excited to tackle a pressing life challenge. They’re motivated, they’re ready, but as soon as we begin… it’s clear their mind is cloudy. Thoughts are jumbled, focus feels impossible, and every decision seems ten times harder than it needs to be.

This is not laziness. It’s not lack of willpower. It’s something so many of us — especially women in our 40s and beyond — know all too well: brain fog.

And brain fog rarely comes alone. It might be linked to poor sleep, digestive issues, or the rollercoaster ride of perimenopause and hormonal shifts. Sometimes it’s stress, sometimes nutrition, sometimes a mix of all of the above. Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: trying to make big life decisions while your mind feels like it’s full of cotton wool is incredibly hard.

That’s where my gratitude for being holistically trained comes in.

Pivoting with Compassion

Instead of forcing a client to “power through” the fog and push on with the original agenda, I can pivot. Together, we pause. We look at what’s happening in the body that’s making clarity so difficult.

Maybe it’s nutrition that needs tweaking. Maybe lifestyle factors — sleep, hydration, stress — need gentle adjustments. Sometimes supplements are helpful, and sometimes it’s about referring on. I’m lucky to work closely with an integrative nurse practitioner who specialises in women’s health. This collaboration means if something like perimenopause symptoms or deeper hormonal issues are at play, we can bring in medical and natural supports side by side.

Once the body is steadier, the mind usually follows. And then, with the fog lifted, we circle back to that relationship dilemma or personal curveball with fresh energy and clear eyes.

The True Meaning of “Holistic”

It is often perceived as a “woo woo” term of some sort, however it is not the way I see it. To me, at the heart of holistic coaching is not just about ticking off goals or solving problems in isolation. It’s about recognising that we are multidimensional beings. Our physical health influences our mental clarity. Our relationships affect our stress levels. Our jobs impact our sleep. Everything is connected.

A client may come to me convinced the biggest issue is their career, only to discover that the constant digestive upset they’ve been brushing aside is actually the thing draining their energy and focus. Another might believe their relationship stress is the source of all their tension, when in reality, hormone fluctuations are magnifying every emotion. Neither discovery is wrong — but by looking at the whole picture, we can address what truly matters in the right order.

That’s why I studied health coaching, mental health coaching, life coaching, and metabolic nutrition. I wanted to be prepared for whatever walks through the door. Because the truth is, it’s never “just one thing.”

Why This Matters Most in Midlife

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you already know these years can be complex. Your body isn’t the same as it was at 25, yet your responsibilities may be greater than ever. Brain fog, fatigue, hormonal shifts, digestive quirks, changing energy levels — all of these can creep in just when you’re juggling careers, families, relationships, and personal growth.

This stage of life demands more support, not less. And not the kind of support that forces you to choose between “physical health” and “life coaching.” You need a space where both are welcome. Where the brain fog, the perimenopause, the stress, and the relationship questions can all sit at the table together.

That’s the one-stop shop I aim to create for my clients.

Nothing Makes Me Happier

At the end of the day, nothing lights me up more than helping clients connect the dots between their health, their mind, and their life. Because once one area begins to improve, the ripple effect is extraordinary. Clearer thinking leads to better decisions. Better digestion leads to more energy. More energy means more patience, more creativity, more joy.

And when all of that comes together? That’s when clients stop feeling like they’re constantly putting out fires and start living in alignment with who they truly are.

That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I keep learning. And that’s why holistic coaching isn’t just my profession — it’s my passion.

Because life in our 40s and beyond doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools, the right support, and the right focus, it can feel more empowering than ever before.

If you’re someone who is currently navigating midlife and want support that recognises both the health and life layers of your journey, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how holistic coaching could help you untangle what feels heavy, restore clarity, and create lasting change.