Testimonials

I didn’t know what to expect when starting with coaching, but I knew I had to do something because I was burning out trying to keep “everyone” happy working in primary care. Diane was able to help me with new tools that brought me back to why I’m doing this work, which I continue to use several months after completing my coaching. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to find more joy in the work they are doing. 

–Tricia M., Family Medicine

I suffered from physician burnout, and it felt paralyzing. I couldn’t think of any other solution than to walk away from medicine altogether, but finding Diane was life-changing. Through coaching sessions, I was slowly able to see the things I valued, in and outside of my profession. I gained clarity about how to harness my strengths and address behaviors and thoughts that were holding me back from success. Diane helped me make small, ongoing changes that led to better boundaries, communication and confidence. Not only have I regained passion for my profession, I now have the tools to tackle challenges, preserve my energy and stay focused on my overall goals, which feels amazing.  

–Megan J., Maternal-Fetal Medicine

When I started working with Diane, I was exhausted and exhibiting signs of extreme burnout. It was starting to really affect how I felt about my job and how I was perceived at work, and I knew that something had to change. With Diane’s help I really have a clear understanding of the unrealistic expectations I had for myself. I had bought into the idea that the more you do, the better doctor you are; so I was always doing extra and staying late. Now, I am better at setting boundaries to protect my work-life balance, and I have more clarity on my purpose as a physician. By giving up some of my self-judgements I am more confident and have found satisfaction in my work again.

–Katie L., Obstetrician/Gynecologist

The “aha” moment was when I found myself outlining my list of grievances about work and colleagues driving with my oldest daughter, a captive audience, because my husband refused to listen to me anymore. I needed to figure out how to deal with my feelings; I began to understand the thing that needed to change was me. I am your typical high achieving female physician, and I was easily frustrated with colleagues or situations that I could not control. I would obsess and ruminate about those frustrations- creating a downward spiral of negativity and judgement. Diane helped me identify and understand these feelings and to either accept the situation or do something else. I am now able to catch myself when I see the same old negative and judgmental feelings appear. I never realized how much energy I lost in those responses. It is actually fun to see myself intercept those feelings when they start to emerge. I feel lighter and have so much more emotional energy to invest in my family, friends, patients, colleagues, and myself.

–Beth D., Pediatrics

Before engaging in coaching with Diane, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I still enjoyed my work, but I did not know how much longer I could continue. Over the course of our meetings, I learned where I was needlessly expending energy (including in ways that I did not previously recognize), means of conserving and even restoring my energy. I feel as though I have learned strategies that will add years to my career and I am grateful.

–Leslie W., Oncology

When I began coaching with Diane, I was really unhappy with the number of hours I was working and the amount of call I had–both were seriously affecting my health. I also knew I wanted to pursue some professional interests in addition to my clinical work but felt too overwhelmed to even consider them. Through our work together, I gained clarity on what I wanted and what was in the way. I began to set limits on “invisible work” and requested changes in my work schedule. I now have space to explore my other interests–while living a balanced life. 

–Kathleen C., Anesthesiology

When I sought out coaching, I felt very broken from burnout. I was a shell of myself. I spent hours charting in the evenings and was in total survival mode. I made some changes in how I work and in my priorities. I started setting limits and added in buffer time. These changes have made me a better person and a better doctor.  I have more to give both my family and my patients. I have a joy and enthusiasm back in my life and have found the space to pursue my other interests outside of medicine.

–Tracy C., Primary Care Physician

Less than a year into practice, I questioned whether I had made a huge mistake. When talking to friends, mentors, and counselors didn’t touch the heart of the issue, I came across professional coaching, which bridged the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be. Diane helped me see that I had the ideas and ability to help myself all along. She helped me identify and even anticipate what was keeping me from seeing that in myself and to change my internal narrative and my lived experience. Since the formal coaching period ended, I still have all the skills I learned to maintain my progress and the confidence to handle inevitable hiccups. 

–Molly A., Nurse Practitioner

I sought out coaching with Diane while dealing with a very difficult gaslighting situation at work. It left me perpetually frustrated, and I spent a lot of time ruminating, and that in turn, kept me from being able to present my best self. Diane helped me identify my options and script potentially difficult encounters in advance. Just knowing that I had scheduled appointments with her helped me maintain my professionalism during this time — I didn’t feel the need to complain to colleagues any more (most of whom had a good relationship with this individual) because I had this other physician to chat with about what I was experiencing. When there was finally a change in leadership, Diane also helped me further clarify my future career steps.  

–Tracy L., PM&R

I sought out coaching because I was at my wit’s end with the pandemic. I was jaded, burned out, and considering leaving my practice. Working with Diane, I learned tools and strategies that helped me make changes and gain a new perspective. My burnout went from a score of 8 out of 10 down to 3. I feel I’ve made progress, and I’m in a much better place with my professional life. I am happy being a midwife again.

                                  –Amanda W., Certified Nurse Midwife

As a physician, it’s rare to have a safe venue to speak openly about difficult circumstances. Diane provided that space for me. It was incredibly helpful to feel supported and to share with someone who really gets it, because she’s been there. I was able to make a career decision that I had needed to make for a long time, and I feel really good about what I’ve decided.

–Katie C., Pediatrics

I began working with Diane when I was suffering from burnout at work that was trickling into my home life. I discovered I needed a pause from work to recover from burnout and find a different position. With coaching, I was able to be intentional about recovery and the job search process. Coaching also benefited my relationships at home. I gained clarity around what I want and need and confidence in making decisions. I recently found a position that better suits me and look forward to continuing to use the skills I learned in both my professional and personal life. 

–Emma S., Family Medicine

I sought out coaching from Diane after a recent transition in primary care positions, in order to help mange burnout in balancing personal and professional challenges, enhance leadership skills, and address what I now understand is imposter syndrome. I can now identify thought patterns that had inhibited my best work, and I’ve become a more confident and effective leader. I also really appreciated her perspectives on facing personal life challenges. I look forward to continuing to use, and even further develop, the skills that I’ve gained during our coaching sessions.

 

–Shannon P., Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Lifestyle Medicine Physician

I had a sense that something was wrong but it wasn’t until I got to a really dark place and had to take a step back that I realized how far out of whack my life had become. Through coaching, I’ve gained clarity and confidence about my next steps. I’m in such a better place. I’m excited today–I’d almost forgotten how that feels. I have benefited in ways that I didn’t anticipate from our work together and feel in alignment with my purpose and goals in ways that are deeper than simply finding “work-life balance.”

 

–Lisa S., Internal Medicine Physician

I sought out coaching because I was considering a career change and didn’t want to make a hasty decision. I was burned out, filled with self doubt, and hopeless. In coaching with Diane, I worked on addressing imposter feelings and getting more clear on what I wanted in my professional life. She helped me solidify a path to reach those goals. I was able to make decisions about next steps and feel confident in doing so.

 

–Anna S., Gynecologic Surgeon

Before working with Diane,  I was burned out, irritable and frustrated. My internal dialogue was a constant loop of negative conversation. Through coaching, I learned how to set better boundaries and make different choices to prioritize my needs.  I finally found joy in medicine again and more importantly have rediscovered my most authentic self.  Not only am I happier and can connect with others in a positive manner but the negative thoughts are gone.  I feel like a whole different person!

 

–Jennie D., Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Coaching with Diane has been really helpful. I have found ways to set limits on my work so I can be really present with my family.  I have found ways to better manage my stress, even during COVID surges. And I’ve learned some practical strategies for maintaining balance in my life going forward. 

 

– Kelli S., Hospital-based Internist and Leader

Before I started coaching with Diane, I felt really burned out–a 9 out of 10. Diane didn’t tell me what to do. She validated my experience and helped me to figure out what would be best for me. Coaching with Diane was a life preserver that got me through a rough storm. The burnout symptoms are gone, and I feel better prepared to weather whatever the future holds.

 

– Kathy W., Family Nurse Practitioner

When I began my coaching with Diane, I was burned out and feeling stagnant in my career with no clear path forward. Diane helped me sort through the noise to really learn what was important to me. It was so valuable to learn to trust my own instincts and listen to what I needed rather than seeking external validation. Six sessions later, I am thrilled to be looking towards a new position and feel excited for what lies ahead. I highly recommend working with Diane!

 

  – Lisa G., Critical Care Physician Assistant

I knew I needed help to cope with feeling overwhelmed and anxious after I developed a yet-undiagnosed medical condition and a close relative was diagnosed with cancer. I was having trouble focusing at work and my home life was suffering. I found coaching with Diane to be really helpful–not too much for me to do and not too little so that nothing changed. I may have worked through the overwhelm on my own but not as well or as fast. Physicians feel they have no time, but in the end, coaching made me more efficient.

– Liz C., Internal Medicine/Primary Care 

When I started coaching with Diane, I was in a bleak place about my work situation and ready to walk out the door–and I never quit anything. I was dealing with a difficult relationship with a colleague and was feeling frustrated with administration and with my more difficult patients. By having a safe place to talk things through, trying some strategies for more effective communication, and taking some small action steps, my experience with work is very different now. I feel lighter. I’d say my satisfaction went from a 0.5 to a 9.

– Valerie T., Family Physician

I was valedictorian of my high school, tops in college and med school, graduated from residency prior to the 80-hour-per-week rule, and had worked the last fifteen years in my medical specialty. Life was good. Then, I was out on medical leave for over a year for treatment of breast cancer. Back at work, I found myself more tired, more sensitive, and more vulnerable. I knew I needed help in more than a mental-health-counseling way. I’d thought about physician coaching but really didn’t know what it involved. 

Fortunately, I found Dr. Diane Shannon, who helped me become aware of things that I hadn’t been able to name, let alone tackle. She helped me notice my feelings and to turn that awareness into curiosity. In just a few sessions together, Diane opened the door a little to let me see how things can start to change. I started to breathe a little deeper. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together to find ways to keep opening that door back to my life.

– Rachel H., Dermatologist

When I retired from clinical practice, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful with my time, but had no idea what I wanted to do or how to find out. Working with Diane, I gained clarity–and the confidence to exclude opportunities I could do but didn’t thrill me. I now have a volunteer position outside of medicine and a low-stress, part-time job in a clinical setting that are meaningful and a great match for me.

– Susan D., Pediatrician

I wanted to try coaching so I could decide whether to suggest it to some of the physicians I lead. I also knew I wanted to work on work-life balance and my patient satisfaction scores. I found coaching with Diane to be surprisingly helpful—more than I expected and in ways I didn’t expect. I was able to improve my work-life balance, returning to meditation and exercising regularly, and spend more time focused in-the-moment with my patients. I’ve enthusiastically recommended coaching to several of my colleagues already.

– Jill C., Family Physician and Physician Leader

Working with Diane helped me find clarity about my professional and personal goals. With visioning, skill development, and support, I was able to take concrete steps in making changes and move towards greater professional and personal fulfillment.

– Rachel B., Family Physician

Prior to working with Diane, each morning I woke up in a panic, terrified to get out of bed. I had no clue what was bothering me, it felt like a life or death situation when in reality it was my daily life.  Once I determined my fear related to my work, I reached out to Diane. She approached my concerns with great compassion and gave me the space I needed, along with helpful solid direction, to explore. Together we realized that I was suffering from Imposter Syndrome and by working through that with her, I was able to find my way to a calmer mode of living and working. She also helped me determine, after much consideration and soul searching, that my current career path is the correct one for me. Diane supported me throughout the entire process in a thoughtful, non-judgmental and supportive way, so that when I finally came out the other side, I was no longer experiencing the panic, able to focus on my chosen career path, and clear about my goals for the future.

– Stacey B., Physician and Patient Advocate

I’d love to chat to see if I can help you. Contact me to set up a conversation.