“Sometimes you hit a point in life where you’re stunted and need someone to set direction and give a push. I had reached that point this past summer. The cobwebs in my head had already been cleared through therapy, so I decided to try a life coach this time around. I filled out a questionnaire on Thumbtack.com (an online professional referral service, similar to Angie’s List) and received a response from Abbe immediately. She was positive she could help me. I explained that I had gone through a very traumatic divorce that ended right before the pandemic, and then I was isolated throughout most of the pandemic and that I was an absolute mess. I told her straight up that I needed someone who had experienced similar pains in his/her life, who had come through the other side, and who was willing to share his/her experiences with me. Unlike with psychotherapy, where a wall between client and professional is often necessary, I wanted a friend who could be kind and attentive but also tough enough to keep me moving forward in life. Someone who could serve as a model of personal and professional success. Someone vulnerable enough to admit their failings (or gremlins, as Abbe likes to call them). Someone with whom I could connect.