Expert Life Coach in Lafayette, CA - Mid-Life, Relationship & Life Transitions, Personal Growth

find clarity.

Ready to take the first step towards meaningful change?

With 15 years experience as a life coach and therapist, I specialize in helping clients navigate the unique challenges that come with all different stages of life. With the mental health field becoming more medically oriented, I strive to be people oriented. My personalized coaching approach focuses on empowering you to improve your mental well being, strengthen your relationships and achieve greater life satisfaction. I am committed to understanding your unique journey and the transformation you’re seeking. Whether you're facing transitions in your career, relationships, at home or feeling stuck, I provide actionable strategies and compassionate support to help you unlock your potential and create a fulfilling life.

Together, we will work to create clarity, and implement tools to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence. Take a moment to explore my website and see how I can support you on your journey.

Dana Peters Life Coach Couples Coach San Francisco Bay Area

Empowering You to Navigate Life’s
Challenges with Clarity and Purpose

My coaching practice offers a safe, present-focused space for non-judgmental support. I provide both in-person and virtual sessions for individuals and couples and am lucky enough to work with clients all over the country. I collaborate with my clients to identify their unique issues and explore the causes behind the challenges impacting their well-being and happiness. Through increasing awareness and clarifying values, my clients learn to identify the patterns and behaviors they are engaging in that are taking them away from their goals and desired outcomes. Through this process, my clients learn to empower themselves by making intentional choices and choosing actions that are in line with the way they want to be living. Setting them up to successfully navigate transitions and stages of life to come.

Some of my specialties include:

Personal Growth and Self Improvement
Relationships
Emotional Eating, Disordered Eating Recovery and Body Image Coaching
Stress Management and Balance
Decision Making and Problem Solving
Emotional Wellbeing
Life Transitions
Achieving Specific Outcomes and Goals

No matter what the specific challenge is that led you to my site, I am here to help. I provide personalized, action-oriented support tailored specifically for to my clients. I offer a holistic approach that combines practical strategies with deep emotional insight, helping clients achieve clarity, confidence, and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

MEET DANA

What My clients are saying...

"Dana took the time to understand how I think, helping me gain awareness of my feelings and providing me with numerous techniques to counter negative and intrusive thoughts. When something wasn't working for me, she offered new approaches and worked to understand my viewpoint. I now have a toolkit of strategies to manage my mental health more effectively."

- S.C., San Ramon, CA

HEAR FROM MORE HAPPY CLIENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Masters Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy
Certified Level 1 Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy
AASECT Member, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
IAEDP Member, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, 2013 - 2017,
AAMFT, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, 2010 - 2017

MEDIA

SOCIAL

Motherhood after the elementary years ushers in a subtle but powerful transition. It’s a transition that many women aren’t prepared for, yet deeply feel. While the early years of parenting are often filled with milestones, structure, and a clear sense of purpose, the post-elementary phase can feel like stepping into an undefined space. You’re still “mom,” but the rules, needs, and rhythms have changed… almost overnight.

What are some of the most unexpected challenges you’ve faced in this season? #midlife #parenting #momlife

Midlife looks like knowing when to lean in… and when to let go.

- Letting go of the illusion that you can control everything.
- Letting go of the need to be understood by everyone.
- Letting go of the image you’ve spent years perfecting but no longer fits.

It’s not giving up. It’s growing up… And it’s wildly freeing.

And if you ever need a reminder of why letting go of control is an important skill to have… just head over to your towns local Facebook group and enjoy the comment section. 😂

What are you learning to release in this season? ❤️

Midlife invites us to reflect—but it also calls us to RECLAIM.
⁣
It’s one thing to notice that something no longer feels right. That a role, a rhythm, or a version of you has expired.
⁣
But the part we don’t talk about enough?
👉 Taking OWNERSHIP over what comes next.
⁣
Just because something worked for a season doesn’t mean it’s meant for the rest of your story.⁣
⁣
Insight is powerful. But aligned action is what creates the shift.
⁣
What are you ready to release and what are you ready to rebuild?
⁣
#midlife #midlifereflection #liferealignment #livingonpurpose #growthseason #selfreinvention

Happy Monday! Take what you need from these mantras today. Remember, mantras are powerful tools to:
✨ Help ground you.
✨ Keep an intention throughout the day.
✨ Validate the thoughts and feelings you may be having and / or struggling with.

Swipe through, save them, say them out loud if it helps.

#midlifewomen #midlifecoaching #careertransition #womenover40 #midlifeawakening #redefiningsuccess

💡 Did you know that midlife is often referred to as the “second adolescence” because of the deep identity re-evaluation that takes place?

But how do you balance this re-evaluation? After all the hard work you put in to build a career, staying responsible and “on the right course” for years… what do you do when you begin to realize you’ve outgrown it?

Whether it’s boredom, burnout, or just a gut instinct that it “doesn’t fit anymore,” midlife can bring a powerful inner nudge to reassess your work and what truly fulfills you. The good news is, career changes made in midlife are often more successful because of stronger networks, emotional intelligence, and life experience.

If this speaks to you and the season of life you’re in, I encourage you to think about what it would look like to do what feels aligned to your life instead of continuing to just do what’s expected. #career #careerchange #careergoals

No one really prepares you for the emotional weight of raising children.

It’s not just the sleepless nights or school drop-offs, but the steady stream of goodbyes that come with every new chapter.

From the first day of kindergarten to their last summer before college, motherhood is full of slow endings. And while we celebrate their growth, we often overlook our own quiet grief.

It’s the ache of an empty backseat.
The silent house after they leave for college.
The moment they stop needing help with homework, or stop asking for it.

Grief and growth often go hand in hand. But letting go of your children as they grow up doesn’t mean you’re losing yourself it means you’re now in a position to finally meet yourself again. It’s the beginning of living more intentionally ❤️ #emptynest #midlife #midlifestyle #midlifeinfluencers

It’s time to set the record straight!
 Midlife isn’t a meltdown. It’s not the end of relevance, purpose, or possibility. It’s the beginning of something deeper… a season of truth, clarity, and (finally) putting yourself back at the center of your own life.

Let’s break the myths we’ve been fed: ✨ You’re not “too old” to pivot. ✨ You don’t have to have it all figured out. ✨ You’re not selfish for wanting more. ✨ You’re not falling apart—you’re evolving.

This is your reminder that midlife doesn’t need to be feared—it needs to be REFRAMED!
#midlife #midlifewomen #womenover40 #ageisjustanumber #midlifereinvention #womensupportingwomen #aginggracefully

This month, I’m dedicating every post to something many women experience but don’t always talk about. The midlife transition, also known as the midlife “crisis”. Whether it’s kids growing up, career changes, or juggling caregiving demands, midlife brings a mix of challenges and powerful opportunities for growth.
If you’ve ever felt restless, uncertain, or ready for something new, you’re not alone. Midlife isn’t a crisis… it’s a chance to rediscover yourself in the NOW and create a life that truly fits for you. My hope is to provide encouragement, and inspiration for thriving in this amazing and often misunderstood season of life.

Ever felt like your emotions were running the show but despite knowing this rationally, you can’t seem to snap out of it? That’s your nervous system asking for support.

Self-soothing is the intentional act of calming your body and mind during stress. It’s not just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a need-to-know skill for emotional resilience.

When you self-soothe, you’re:
🧠Sending signals of safety to your brain
🤔Improving decision-making
🧑‍❤️‍��💋‍🧑 Reducing reactivity in relationships
🫠 Preventing emotional burnout

Learning how to self-soothe means learning how to stay with yourself, especially when it’s the hardest.

When my clients share their growth - it speaks louder than anything I could ever say. 👏👏👏

Everyone deserves to find the path that fits for them when it comes to getting support to make change in their life. Whether it’s therapy, movement / exercise, traveling, religion, community… my hope for every person on this planet is to find what works for them to help support them in living a life they don’t want to escape from.

Coaching can change lives, and I am so honored to support my clients as they step into their power. Looking to get unstuck or make a change? Let’s talk!

Have you ever left a session feeling like you uncovered a lot… but unsure what to do next?

You know it was a valuable use of your time and you faced some real truths about your life, but now you’re stuck on how to put it into action before your next session?

This post is for you.

There is always a lot of “new year, new me” chatter this time of year. As January (finally) wraps up, just remember…

🤍 You don’t need to reinvent yourself to find the perfect partner or land the dream job.

🤍 Perfection is subjective, and the ‘right’ choices are always evolving. Stop overthinking and paralyzing yourself!

🤍 Instead, focus on building unwavering confidence within. When you truly understand yourself—your values, your strengths, your unique path—you’ll always move forward with purpose.

Trust that your growth and self-awareness will align you with the opportunities and relationships meant for you.

✉️ If this sounds like something you’re interested, DM me! Let’s book a session to explore this together.

As 2024 comes to a close, take a moment to envision what you want 2025 to look like. What changes could help turn that vision into reality? Instead of getting stuck in the all-or-nothing mindset of resolutions, let’s work together to design meaningful changes that bring you closer to the life you truly want to live.

“✨ Something transformative is coming...✨

If you’ve been craving clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection with yourself, get ready.

This is your sign to step into alignment and finally feel like you again. 🌿

Stay tuned—everything you need to create the shift you’ve been waiting for is almost here.

Are you ready? #AlignmentJourney
#PersonalGrowth
#LifeCoachTips
#FindYourPurpose
#AuthenticLiving
#WomenSupportingWomen
#BusyMoms
#SelfDiscoveryJourney
#ClarityAndConfidence
#MidlifeTransformation
#MindsetShift
#GrowthMindset
#MotivationDaily
#empowerment

Imagine feeling in tune with the life you’re creating. What could change for you if you worked with someone to uncover what truly matters?

I will work with you to create a non-judgmental, supportive space where you can create the change you’re wanting in your life.

In coaching, we won’t ignore the past, but we won’t stay there either.

Together we will work to ensure that you use the past as a guide to understand how it may be contributing to an unwanted pattern or behavior and focus on the future.

✨ WHAT NOW!? ✨

I strive to provide my clients with:
➡️ Tools to use in everyday life
➡️ Development of new strategies tailored to their specific needs
➡️ Help turn thoughts and feelings into action and results

There is no quick fix. Second order change takes time and dedication. That’s why having a coach who is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way is so important! 🙌

You deserve to feel your best. DM today to get started!

What if living a better life was just a matter of finding the right supports to help get you on the right track?

What if instead of sweeping uncomfortable and negative feelings under the rug - you listened to the them? What if you had a partner who could help you identify these feelings as signals that something isn’t aligned correctly in your life?

What if you wanted to speak to someone whose job isn’t to pathologize your challenges, but help you find and use the right tools to move forward in a life you’re excited to live?

Curious what coaching can do for you? Send me a message or visit my website - link in bio. I can’t wait to work with you 😊

Calming the nervous system is essential for reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, enhancing focus and promoting overall well-being.

When your nervous system is in a state of chronic arousal (such as with stress or anxiety), it activates the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” response). To counter this, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” response) helps bring balance, calm, and relaxation.

How do these exercises help?
* Activates the Vagus Nerve: The deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which promotes relaxation and decreases heart rate.
* Engages the Parasympathetic Response: Longer exhales trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling to your body that it’s safe to relax.
* Releases Muscle Tension: Progressive muscle relaxation helps identify and let go of physical tension that can build up during stress.
* Grounds You in the Present: Using your senses connects you to the “now,” which is helpful for managing anxiety and preventing your mind from racing.

Sounds too complicated? I promise you it’s not. Swipe through the above slides for tips on how to integrate this into a busy life.

REMINDER: Emotions are fluid, situations change, our perceptions shift based off a multitude of factors. In difficult moments, be gentle with yourself. 💚

One of the benefits of life coaching is investigating obstacles to living the life you envision for yourself.

Believe it or not, people pleasing and perfectionism have a very active role in undermining efforts to make change.

When you consistently and automatically choose to conform to external expectations, you risk giving away a piece of your power, trading authenticity for approval… often times derailing your own desires, goals and needs.

Imagine a field scattered with the land mines of others’ expectations—tiptoeing around them. You’re constantly on guard, shrinking yourself, fearing the explosion of disappointment or disapproval. But when you choose to walk boldly, guided by your own values, you claim your full power and freedom. Your path becomes clear, not because it’s easy, but because it’s yours.

When you embrace that truth, you stop living small and start living fully.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together for 9 months or 9 years… creating a space where you and your significant other can check in on the state of your relationship is paramount to creating a healthy relationship.

Even couples who have been together for decades that begin to implement a check-in report back in sessions that it significantly improves their moods and connection to one another.

When couples don’t talk about the small things that bottle up over time, it’s natural that the relationship suffers. You’ve likely experienced this yourself. One or both partners begin to feel misunderstood, disconnected, resentful, stuck and apathetic to finding a solution. This only leads to less and less communication, exacerbating the feelings on both sides. Slowly, a narrative is being created that will push each person further from the other.

It’s no wonder that communication problems are one of the leading reasons couples split or divorce. The good news is, practicing communication is in your control. The more you practice the skill of communicating - the better you will become at self expression, active listening, and problem solving as a team.

The questions posted above are meant to create an open dialogue and inspire action. I encourage you to either answer these questions on your own or with your partner and see what comes from the conversation.

I also love recommending conversation cards for couples if you have a difficult time finding the questions you want to ask organically. I love the @bestselfco Intimacy Deck! #relationshipgoals #relationships #datingadvice #datingcoach #lifecoaching

This powerful quote is from Ester Perel (who I am lucky enough to see speak next Thursday in San Francisco ❤️) in her book The State Of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity. #infidelityrecovery #affairrecovery #infidelitysupport #relationshipgoals #marriagecoach

BOOK REVIEW 📚

Recommended for: Anyone and everyone - seriously. But, especially people who struggle with a need to feel productive at all times, those who can’t turn off the endless “to-do” list in their heads, people that struggle with indecisiveness and over-thinking / procrastination / perfectionism.

if you’re a client of mine, you likely have already heard me recommend this. 😂 So, nothing new here… keep scrolling.

This book is a refreshing, humorous and thought provoking read. It’s a reminder to embrace finitude, challenge societal narratives and start prioritizing the things that make your life more meaningful. I’ve shared some of my favorite quotes on the next several slides.

If you end up reading this or have read it, please share your thoughts below❣️

I will forever feel gratitude for the work I get to do as a life coach. It is truly a gift 🎁

There is something ethereal in witnessing someone getting to know and love themselves. Seeing someone learn the skill of understanding their internal experience cues and honoring their feelings. Clarifying what really is of value to them and what matters in their life instead of fixating on what they’re told to care about from external sources. Hearing their life stories and watching their relationship to those stories change. Witnessing my clients becoming in touch with their unique power - their strengths and individual qualities. Watching them learn to leverage each incredible detail about themselves to continuing building and living better lives.

There are few things greater than helping someone realize that they possess everything they need inside themselves to reach their goals and make change.

If you are interested in working together or have any questions about my coaching practice, send me a message! Let’s get started! ❤️

There is an abundance of research that demonstrates the importance of spending time outside… both for health and cognitive benefits. From mood improvement, to lowering blood pressure and stress hormones. Being outside also activates the same part of the brain as meditation (for all my anti-meditators out there)!

So schedule some time outside for yourself today. Especially if you have been feeling like you’re operating below your “baseline”. In other words, if you’re feeling down in the dumps, low on energy or overly anxious and avoidant. Just 20 minutes outside can help.

I came across this quote earlier and wanted to share it with anyone who might see this today and benefit from the message. 🫶

It’s a good reminder that even in your darkest moments, the best is always yet to come.

I know this quote resonates with me very personally. Everyone has lived through some version of this and I am no exception. While my personal life isn’t something I tend to share or document on social media, I think it’s important to be real about the struggles we all overcome to get where we are.

When you’re in your pain, the last thing you think about is how the break down of something will lead to the creation of something even better. It took me years to buy into this. If I could go back in time, I wish I listened and gave this statement more power in my times of need.

So if you are in your worst of times, here’s a reminder that the worst things you can imagine happening in your life can also lead you directly to the path that will lead you to some of the greatest things you’ll experience... you can rebuild and you can turn pain into passion and purpose.

Pleasure, engagement, meaning and balance. According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, these words matter. At least when it comes to reflecting on your happiness.

What do these words mean to you and how do you incorporate these into your life?

A great mindful activity you can do to reflect on this might look like finding a quiet space to reflect on the following questions.

- Do I feel pleasure? (People often make this word sexual. While sexual pleasure is an important part of overall pleasure, think of other forms of pleasure. Like playing for a child, going for a bike ride, jumping on a trampoline. A state of gratification, amusement and delight. What do you do to feel this? How do to incorporate “play” in your life?

- Am I contributing to things or something that is meaningful to me? (For some this could be your friends, career, family, or the “greater good”). What do I think and feel about my emotional involvements and commitments.

- Am I engaging in activities (with my self, community and others) that I find satisfying?

- Am I able to gain satisfaction from multiple life domains, without neglecting others? Do I feel mental and emotional steadiness in my life?

What are your answers? Do you find that you have some areas “down” but not others?

Even on the worst of days where you may not feel in a place to say you’re “happy”, focusing on these questions can help provide some clarity and direction for next steps to build a life you feel happier in. If you find you’re lacking in one or all of these (and we all do given on the day, week, month or year), start by asking what you would want to be doing more of to feel either meaning, pleasure, engagement or balance. You can also think of someone you admire and make a list of how you see them engaging in their lives.

Sirgy, M.J., & Wu, J. (2009). The pleasant life, the engaged life, and the meaningful life: What about the balanced life? Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 10(2), 183-196.

Hello! It’s been a while since I have shown my face on this page, so for my thousands of new followers (😉), welcome.

My intention with this page is to provide something positive for clients to see when they are scrolling in insta-land. There’s so much negativity on social media and comparison… I aim for my IG to be a positive space that focuses on self development and improving interactions in relationships. I am not here to sell you a course, influence anyone’s life style by showing pictures of my house or link you to my Amazon storefront (and if you do any of those things and they are working for you… more power to you, keep doing what’s working 💪). This is just a place to occasionally receive a message that may be helpful to you on any given day. 🙂

If you’re curious about life coaching and would like to learn more, please send me a message!

- Everyone will have a different opinion and experience of you.

- Everyone will have their own ideas of who you are supposed to be to them in their lives.

- Everyone will judge you in some way.

With so many unique individuals, opinions and judgements, there is no way to please everyone. So why on earth would you let your existence get so wrapped up in trying to change or control people’s experience of you?

Be you. The version of you that you want to be.

Rather than letting the wishes and expectations of others direct the way you act or action you take, ask yourself:

How do you want to show up for myself? What do I value? What do I want to prioritize? What really matters to me?

This could look like being more intentional about protecting your time, choosing to engage in activities and relationships that bring you joy, being mindful about the types of conversations you want to be having with others, or setting boundaries that support what you are wanting to build for yourself.

Get comfortable with the idea of curating your life for yourself, instead of responding and reacting to things outside of you.

First build for yourself.

Where’s the lie? We have to laugh, folks… otherwise 🤷🏼‍♀️ #parenting #tweens #parentingtips #wheresthelie #parenthumor #parentcoach #parentcoaching

No caption necessary. Just something to sit with.

Giving up what weighs us down allows us the strength to embrace the present. ✨ #mindsetmatters #selflove #selfacceptancejourney #powerfulthoughts

“Human freedom involves our capacity to pause between the stimulus and response and, in that pause, choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight. The capacity to create ourselves, based upon this freedom, is inseparable from consciousness or self-awareness.” - Rollo May, The Courage to Create

We can’t change our past.

Life is messy.

We have regrets.

We make mistakes.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t continue crafting our own beautiful story in spite of the moments we are less than proud of. Instead of focusing on the details of your past that may bring up shame or disappointment… focus FORWARD.

Take one step at a time to build a life you find beautiful and whole. Each day is a new day to show up as the YOU you intend to be.

Filled with so much gratitude and love for the clients I work with and the work we do together. ❤️

“When you can’t control what’s happening, you can challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.” ❤️

Building a fulfilling life is a continuous process that requires self-reflection, experimentation, and adaptation. Be patient with yourself and embrace the journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Here are some steps you can take to work towards that:

1. Reflect on your values and priorities: Understand what truly matters to you in life! Identify your core values and the things that bring you joy and satisfaction. This self-reflection will help guide your decisions and actions.
2. Set meaningful goals: Establish goals that align with your values. Having specific targets gives you direction and a sense of purpose.
3. Pursue your passions: Engage in activities and hobbies that genuinely interest and inspire you. Passionate engagement in your interests fosters a sense of fulfillment.
4. Cultivate positive relationships: Surround yourself with supportive and positive people who uplift you. Nurture these relationships through open communication, empathy, and shared experiences.
5. Take care of your physical and mental well-being: Prioritize self-care by paying attention to your physical health, mental well-being, and emotional needs.
6. Continuously learn and grow: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Seek knowledge, explore new interests, and challenge yourself intellectually.
6. Find meaning and purpose in your work: align your career with your passions and values. Explore opportunities that allow you to use your strengths and contribute to something meaningful. If your current job doesn't fulfill you, consider making a career change or finding ways to incorporate purpose into your existing work.
7. Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment and the things you have in your life.
8. Embrace balance and boundaries: Strive for a balanced life that encompasses various aspects such as work, play (pleasure and joy), relationships, and personal growth. Set boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being. Maintain a healthy work-life balance and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation! #progressnotperfection #build #selfcare #createeveryday

Your power to create the life you want will continuously be compromised when you look outside yourself. Be mindful of what carries you away from staying present in YOUR experience. Your life. Stay focused on what you’re building and creating for yourself, not reacting and responding to what others are doing. #selflove #recovery #recoveryispossible #selfcare #selfdiscovery #progressnotperfection #empowerwomen

"Sometimes you gotta take a break from all the noise to appreciate the beauty of silence."

Don’t forget to pause and enjoy the small miracles all around you today in the midst of chaos.

Everything you need to make the change you desire resides within you. 💚

It is only when we turn inward and understand ourselves - radically accepting our strengths and weaknesses, that you can know and love yourself. You can begin to CHOOSE who you’ll be in the world instead of allowing the world and others to choose for you. #radicalacceptance #meditation #meditationpractice #strength #awake

Try your best to mindful of one of these each day this week. #mindfulness #stressrelief #stressmanagement

⚡️ A friendly reminder to protect your energy before you start your week. #boundaries #protectyourpeace #beyourself #knowyourworth

Communication is the lifeline of any relationship. 🗣️

Research shows that the therapeutic relationship between client and provider is the strongest predictor of client success. I pride myself in providing trust, respect and empathy in all my relationships. If you’d like to learn more about my coaching practice, send me a message!

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@danapeterscoaching

Online and in-person sessions currently available

Empowering You to Navigate Life’s
Challenges with Clarity and Purpose

QUALIFICATIONS

MEDIA

SOCIAL

Reach out to submit a question or to schedule a free 30 minute consultation

Empowering You to Navigate Life’s Challenges with Clarity and Purpose

QUALIFICATIONS

MEDIA

SOCIAL

​

Reach out to submit a question or to schedule a free 30 minute consultation

Empowering You to Navigate Life’s
Challenges with Clarity and Purpose