Dr. Rosie Kuhn is the founder of The Paradigm Shifts Coaching Group, a boutique coaching firm that focuses on personal and spiritual development in oneself, in relationships, and in the workplace. She is considered a preeminent thought leader in the field of transformation.
Dr. Rosie is a transformational coach and has been in the field of self-transformation for over 40 years. She is the author of 14 books including, Aging Like a Guru – Who Me, and I’ve Arrived! Well, Sort Of… 101 Discoveries & Revelations Stumbled Upon While On the Sacred Path to Who Knows Where.
Read more about her in the latest MysticMag interview.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and mission behind The Paradigm Shifts Coaching Group, and how your coaching approach differs from others in personal and spiritual development?
I began my career as a therapist, specializing in addiction counseling in Nova Scotia. Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach that included spirituality, I left Nova Scotia, spent two years sailing, and found a school in California offering a Ph.D. in transpersonal psychology with a focus on spiritual guidance.
This unique path led me to integrate therapeutic foundations with spiritual dimensions in coaching. Unlike conventional coaching that starts with specific goals, my approach delves deeper, encouraging clients to explore what true fulfillment means to them.
The vision of my company, Paradigm Shifts, is “The fulfillment of the human spirit through the empowerment of every individual on the planet.” I guide individuals toward self-empowerment, fostering a paradigm shift for a more fulfilling life.
During coaching sessions, I playfully introduce a “magic wand” as a symbol of empowerment, sparking excitement and shifting perspectives. This moment helps clients express deeper desires beyond tangible achievements.
In essence, I aim to shift individuals from a fear-based to a magic-and-miracles worldview. I seek inspiration and fulfillment in my life, aspiring to live in alignment with the fulfillment of my human spirit. For over two decades, I’ve coached and trained individuals in transformative and spiritual coaching.
What specific coaching techniques or strategies do you employ to help individuals navigate personal and spiritual growth, and how do these techniques vary in the context of personal development, relationships, and the workplace?
I coach individuals across various domains, including personal and spiritual growth, as well as executives and corporate groups. Regardless of the context, my coaching approach centers around four fundamental questions that form the basis of effective coaching:
- What is it you want?
Encouraging individuals to articulate their desires beyond surface-level goals, fosters a deeper understanding of personal fulfillment and happiness.
- What’s in the way of you having what you want?
Identifying and addressing the internal talk or external factors that act as barriers to achieving their desires, clearing the path for progress.
- What needs to shift?
Exploring the necessary changes, often related to mindset, relationships, or inner listening, to eliminate obstacles and pave the way for achieving desired outcomes.
- What will you practice to make those shifts?
Instilling a sense of ownership by emphasizing an active commitment to specific practices that facilitate the desired changes, ensuring a proactive approach to personal and professional development.
These four questions serve as a powerful framework, enabling individuals not only to clarify their goals but also to navigate obstacles and actively work toward personal transformation. Whether coaching others or self-reflecting, these questions provide a clear roadmap for progress and growth.
What’s intriguing about my perspective, influenced by a spiritual teacher, is akin to the question “how much is 2 plus 2.” While someone might assert it’s 4, another may claim it’s 6. As a coach, I position myself as a thinking partner, not imposing judgments or telling people what to do. Instead, I listen and inquire, genuinely curious about their unique perspective.
When someone sees 2 plus 2 as 6, I don’t respond with a “yes, but.” Instead, it’s a “yes, and.” I desire to understand more, recognizing that their worldview is distinctive and valuable. My goal is to support and empower them to bring their perspective to fulfillment in the world.
It’s about embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness, challenging the conventional paradigm. While many might say 2 plus 2 can’t be 7, I aim to open up possibilities and shift paradigms. This approach allows for a broader perspective where everything becomes possible, similar to how Einstein challenged norms in his time. Even when faced with doubt, he eventually embraced a different paradigm, realizing the potential beyond traditional boundaries. It’s a dynamic and exciting aspect of my coaching philosophy.
Could you share a success story or case study that demonstrates the impact of your coaching services on an individual’s personal or spiritual development? How did your approach contribute to this transformation?
I’ve been collaborating with the founder of a company for around 10 years, aiding him in navigating the mental obstacles that often hinder his financial goals. When he faces challenges and asks, “What’s wrong? What do I need to fix?” I steer the conversation away from focusing on the perceived problems. Instead, I encourage him to explore the underlying dialogue in his mind.
This internal dialogue often stems from his upbringing, involving elements of dysfunction, unworthiness, and undeservingness. By bringing awareness to these ingrained beliefs, he can work on releasing them, allowing for a positive shift. He acknowledges the effectiveness of this approach, noting that, with time and personal work, money consistently manifests.
The reason he continues working with me, as he puts it, is that “the money always does show up.” While it may require patience and personal effort, this testimonial underscores the practical and spiritual aspects of our coaching. I emphasize the pragmatic nature of spiritual practices and relationships, highlighting their relevance in achieving tangible results. Recognizing the spiritual as integral to the practical, we navigate the internal barriers that might otherwise obstruct the path to desired outcomes.
How do you continue to evolve and adapt your coaching techniques to meet the changing needs and expectations of your clients in the areas of personal and spiritual development, and what plans or initiatives do you have for the future of The Paradigm Shifts Coaching Group?
Recognizing addictive tendencies in each of us, not necessarily tied to substances but often to emotional and thinking patterns, was a pivotal realization. Although I personally don’t grapple with substance abuse, I found resonance in the 12-step program, approaching it as an adult child of a dysfunctional family.
Acknowledging flaws, such as bitterness and manipulation, became crucial as these patterns caused discomfort and unhappiness. Desiring a shift, I committed to the 12-step process, not only for those recovering from substance abuse but also for individuals navigating various challenges. The program’s fundamental principle of admitting powerlessness over people, places, and things marked the starting point for personal growth.
Willingness to confront unknown habits leading to discontentment became a cornerstone. Engaging with enlightening materials, like the daily read “Oneness” by Rasha, supported my journey for nearly two decades. Embracing difficulties and seeking insight, even when uncomfortable, propelled my personal growth.
Remaining present with clients continually evolved, transcending previous limitations. Focused on minimizing distractions from my own thoughts, I dedicated myself to constant self-improvement. This dedication extended beyond my professional life, influencing personal interactions.
In terms of my business trajectory, I developed a coaching training program—distinguished by its avoidance of starting from scratch for those already proficient in communication. This initiative, named “Mastering the Art of Transformational Coaching,” is offered through suivera.org. The program emphasizes the artistic and intuitive facets of coaching, extending beyond conventional questioning to truly understand the whole person.
My commitment extends to sharing this mastery, and training individuals—often with backgrounds in communication, HR, ministry, or education— to become proficient coaches. Through this program, I aspire to guide those curious about self-discovery, recognizing that effective coaching involves embracing personal growth and introspection.
