WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US:
TALKS
“This session was so packed with useful information I wished I could pause her and rewind, to listen over again! Intelligent and thought provoking, left wanting more.”– Sofia Tailor, Parent at Alcott Elementary, Redmond, WA.
“Thanks so much! I have only heard great feedback. Relevant topic, entertaining, the “best” PTA/Parent Ed meeting they’d ever been to.” – Danielle Miller, PTA President.
“I really enjoyed Your talk. You supplemented each other very well. The talk was very alive and I could easily relate all you said to living with teens. I learned a whole bunch that I now use on a daily basis.” – Sickan, Parent, Elementary School, Denmark
“Brilliant talk. Could be so great to hear the talk you did for the students too! My son (14) loved it.” – Helle, Parent, Elementary School, Denmark
“Thank you so much for last night, it was really super – I certainly got some new tools home with me. I had already told my daughter (11) that I was going to a talk with you and that it was partly about bullying. First thing she asked when I came home was: “What was it about?” And it was a super opening for us to talk about things we never get to talk about, subject we never touch base on.” – Rikke, parent, Elementary School, Denmark
“Mia recently spoke at our high school for a parent education workshop. She is an engaging speaker who easily connects with her audience. Mia’s tips for understanding teens were refreshing and practical. The feedback I received from parents who attended the workshop was all positive and we would recommend Mia to any other school that was considering having her as a speaker!”– Roseann Popa, Parent Education Representative Skyline High School, Sammamish, WA.
“As a mother of four little ones (Kindergarten and younger), there were techniques I could apply to my parenting now and lots of good information for when my kids get a little older. Mia’s talk was both helpful and practical. She gave real world parenting examples and solutions.”– Erica Stapleton, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers in Sammamish)
“I really liked the talk. I think it made people think that we are all human, and we all have a heart. Most people will look back at the talk and remember it. Thank you!”– Amanda 14
“Thank you so much for your great talk last week. You were so passionate, and I thought your advice was very practical and easy for all parents to identify with – including me! I think the stories and examples you used are a very powerful way to teach others.”– Sarah White, Principal
“I am so happy I was able to participate in your presentation. Not only did I leave with several very helpful tools, but I had a lot of fun as well. You had the entire audience captivated with your wealth of information and the stories you used to demonstrate each point. You are a natural presenter, and I feel like everyone in the room would have happily listened to you for several more hours!”– Rochelle Doxsee, Parent
“I really enjoyed listening to your session on “What children wish their parents knew”. I felt very connected to your stories and the information provided and could really relate. Both my husband and I work full time and have very busy schedules – I have a lot of guilt when it comes to not being around like stay-at-home moms. I truly would love to find additional sessions you are coaching. The connection you seem to make with the crowd is valuable! You truly can make a difference is parent’s lives. Thank you!” – Laura Cameron, Parent
“You were so spot on with your observations, that you had me both laughing and tearing up. Thank you for a wonderful evening! I left feeling both wiser and more hopeful with so many amazing ideas to implement with my children.” – Helle, Parent
“Thumbs up! First talk about bullying that kept me awake. You had me hooked with your stories! ” – Daniel, student, 15
“Amazing talk, it almost felt like you told my story. I think it made people reflect and will be something we’ll remember and talk about for a long time.” – Julie, student, 14
“First time I have seen 350 kids be so focused and quiet. They just took it all in.” – Charlotte, teacher
COACHING
“I wanted to send some great big love and gratitude out to Stine Falkenberg Schmidt for taking the time to talk with me about my daughter (11), that had cut herself and my sons (16) anxiety.
Especially discussing the importance of self confidence and self esteem and how to build that with them, and most importantly, my need to practice becoming a consulting parent and their Mumma first, for my children, instead of a coach to them was key…..such a major shift for me and a weight lifted off of me. I feel like I can start moving in a direction that is best for THEM but still have my mumma bear needs met too.
I am so grateful! “ – Caryl Borger Mix
“You have helped me open my eyes to my bad decisions, and guided me, not forcefully, but slowly and gently down the right path towards a healthier/ happy lifestyle. I would DEFINITELY recommend you, because you connected with me so perfectly. Didn’t give up on me whenever I needed someone to talk to when I was weak and not stable-minded. You have a beautiful gift of helping people become the people they want to be and you did an amazing job at really uncovering a lot of things I didn’t know about myself, that I was carrying deep within me my whole life. You are genuine, understanding, a great listener and such a strong and smart person. The time I’ve had with you has helped me come a VERY long way from making selfish, sad, hurtful choices to making wiser, happy choices that benefit my life and the happiness in my life.” – Katrina, 21
“My kids are happier and I feel stronger and more competent as a parent, because of the new insight and tools you provided me with. That is also the reason why I have managed to completely change the atmosphere in our home.
We have re-introduced singing and dancing, laughing and tingling and when my kids act out I am able to keep calm and take leadership of the situation. It means the world to me and I appreciate that I am setting an example for my children and teaching them that a family is a place of love, support and lots of fun!
Thank you for helping me transforms my family life so much in such a short time. I am SO excited about what results I can achieve over the next year working with you. -Bolette, parent
“Just wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for us in helping Sami find more stability from within herself. I have appreciated your staying consistent even when we are running in several different directions at once. Growth is pain many times but I think its something that all of us here have needed to do. I know there will be many more days of struggle ahead but I there will also be days of great success due to our new-found inner confidence in ourselves to speak our truths and stand by them with conviction. That is empowering! “– Laura, Mother of client 12.
“During our coaching sessions with you Mia we have had lots of new thoughts and reflections. We have discovered new angles and ways of looking and approaching things, in relation to our kids but also in our relationship and as individuals. You had a very personal approach to us, which made us feel safe and that we could trust you. We felt safe working with all the challenges you assigned us.
A nice and valuable input from a Dane living in USA who is able to skype at 9pm when the kids are in bed and we have time and can actually focus, not having to meet in a coaching office at 4pm – rush hour on weekdays.” – Lene (parent of 3 kids)
“The first time I had a coaching session was at the end of last year, 2013. All through that year, I felt so terrible with myself. My parents were going through a divorce and I had friendship problems at school. I was confused with all these emotions and I honestly did not know how to handle them. I was sad, then happy, then sad again, falling into the ‘Crazy Eight.’ I was blaming myself mostly for the problems that there were and I kept putting all this unnecessary weight on my shoulders, and on top of that, I had to deal with a recent panic attack.
When I first heard that I could get a coaching session that could help me get back up again, I was all for it. Since my mum was also becoming a coach, I already knew a little about how a session would go. I was thinking, “Alright, I need to do something about this, and it should be now!” But at the same time I was thinking, this may not turn out how I want it to.
Because of the time difference, I had to get up at 6am, but let me tell you something. After the first session, I could feel a HUGE difference with myself. It was almost like this massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt light, and so full of energy afterwards and for the first time in a long time, I felt happy about the person that I was.
After each session I kept reflecting on what Stine had said and I really took it in. After about three or four sessions, one of my friends even came up to me and told me that she had never seen me so happy before and she was extremely happy to see me always walk around with a smile on my face.
It has now been around four of five months since I had my first coaching session with Stine, and I am so happy to say that I am now a much happier and brighter person to be around than I was half a year ago. I know myself a lot better and I know where I am heading with my life now. It can only get better from here.
Thank you so much Stine for all the help and support that you have given! I am so thankful and grateful to have met such an amazing person like you! I cannot thank you enough!” -Laura, 16
“I felt terrible. I was experiencing anxiety. I was afraid of loosing people that I’m close to and I was afraid of dying myself. Nightmares would wake me up very often and I had a hard time going to sleep. My parents divorce made me really sad and I worried a lot about all four of us.
I had respiratory challenges on a daily basis and it got worse when I got really sad and upset.
The girls at school had some conflicts going on and it was awful.
Now I feel so much better. Rarely think my stupid thoughts and it feels great. My life is much better, and I sleep heavily without nightmares when I do my exercises. My Mother and I have both noticed that my breathing has improved. The conflict between the girls is resolved and I have found out that I should just be myself and trust that it’s the best. In fact, some people now come to me for help as they trust me. I keep getting new good friends.You’ve been a great help Stine. I feel so much better than when we started. You are nice to talk to, you are comforting to talk to, and you’re good at putting yourself In my shoes.
I will definitely recommend you to others!
The best part is that you have helped me so much. I am so grateful!”– Julie, 14
“After just a few sessions with Stine, Laura became a happy and more positive teenager- feeling stronger than ever and ready to embrace life with joy. I can not thank you enough for making this transformation possible. I am so grateful.
Laura`s comment this morning: ” Why am I feeling so happy …. I just woke up !!!!!”– Heidi, Mother of client, 16
“Hi Stine, I wanted to take a moment and express my gratitude for the time you have spent with Lauren thus far. Every week I feel the shift within her and in her energy; it’s really beautiful to witness.
Something really cool happened tonight at dinner and I wanted to share with you. I’m sure you already know that Lauren has a 14 year old sister, her name is Abby. After a very full weekend we sat down together for Sunday dinner. Abby was tired, a bit crabby and had little room for patience with others.
Durning our dinner conversation, Abby blurted out, “I hate ignorance and the stupid things that so many kids do.” Immediately Lauren aligned with Abby and responded, “I know what you mean Abby. I use to feel the same way but let me tell you something that Stine taught me that has helped a lot.” Lauren continued, “Stine said that I get noticed when I preform in a play or sing on a stage and you Abby, you get noticed because you are an amazing Soccer Goalie – but some kids Abby, light up a cigarette in the hallway at school to be noticed, some girls have sex to be noticed and some kids try to commit suicide be seen.” “We all want to be seen Abby, to be noticed and good or bad, people are going to do something to be noticed. Those stupid actions use to upset me too Abby but now I just feel sad for them.”
WOW! Did I feel a rush of pure joy run through my veins. My heart filled up with gratitude and there was a great peace & comfort in witnessing Lauren’s transformation out of her anxiety and into this confident, compassionate, peaceful wisdom.
An throughout the conversation, her face was relaxed, with a warm, calming smile. Again, it was really beautiful. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” – Kimberly, Mother of client, 16
“I have truly appreciated working with you Stine, you are an incredible person, very skilled and really great talking to. Already the first time we talked I felt understood and I trusted you right away. I felt safe opening up and being honest. To me you were the perfect help. Really appreciate all your advises too :))”– Amanda, 14
“I know this is a little late but Happy Holidays! At the beginning of our sessions, I felt really low. I had terrible organization and productivity habits. Not to mention that I was suffering from social anxiety and depression. Now, I have great techniques to not only help me with organization and procrastination, but with anxiety and dangerous urges. A little while ago, one of my friends said she wanted to cut. She messaged me and I was able to talk her out of it. I’m really glad that I can both keep myself happy, and help others feel happy as well.
Thank You and Merry Christmas!”-Sami, 12.
“I have been through lots of struggles and when I first started this whole coaching thing I really didn’t want to do it, it sounded like the worst thing because it would take up time and all bring up all these other things I was sorry about, but once I started talking to Mia I realized that it wasn’t. Mia isn’t like a counselor she’s more like someone you can talk to and talk things out with and make plans and it’s great to have someone like that she’s more like a best friend and believe it or not I have only met with her 2 times and she has helped with my grades and family and I am so grateful to have someone like her, so I would recommend any teen to give coaching a try and I think you’ll like it.”– Payton, 14.
“Thank you so much. I wouldn’t be where I am now, if it wasn’t for you” – Danielle
“Words of hope for people trying to live out their dream or do what they want to do, what they want to accomplish. My number one thing I think I can say is that for one, it gets better. When you’re going through middle school, high school, heck maybe even college, whether it be two years or four or eight, those are chapters of your life, and those aren’t your book. I was once told that every day is a page, every era is a chapter. You live that’s the first page, and you die that’s the end. there’s no point living your life through your book, if when you get to the end of your book, you look back to the end and think wow what just happened? What did I do? What was that chapter? What was this chapter? What was that page? What was this? I was told to live a life that’s significant. To be happy. To really I guess enjoy your 100 years, your 50 years, your could be 16 or 17 years that you have of your life.
Each page is like a whole new story. You take time to turn the page. That’s your life. You have one day to turn each page. You look back and enjoy it, and think about each chapter. This isn’t a four disc series. It’s not the twilight series. There’s not going to be another book. There’s your book and whatever you’re going through right now is your chapter and it’s not going to just end that way. Just don’t think high schools so rough that I can’t get through this. “This guy bullies me. This girl picks on me, and this teacher is a piece of you know what, you know I hate going to gym because I just don’t fit in. I would rather do something else. You know I hate my parents, I hate my home life, I cut myself or I’ve tried to kill myself or I ran away from home.” You know, anything of that sort of chapter.
You feel like when you’re there, the chapters are going to keep going. Well, they don’t, and I wish someone would have told me what I’m saying now, because I feel like every chapter I was living was a book, and that was my entire book. But it’s not. I feel like I’m on my fourth chapter, fifth maybe. Hopefully I’m not on my 10th or 11th yet. I think to give you hope is to know that it’s either going to get better, or it’s going to get different, and I can guarantee you that you just have to stay strong. You have to remember who you are, even if you don’t know exactly who you are. I’m still not sure exactly who I am quite yet, but you can know who you want to be, or you can know what you want to find. You can know what you want to do. And if you don’t know what you want, you can dream. Dream big. If you want to do six different things, then do them all because you never know what could happen, or what life has to offer. I just know it gets better. So enjoy your chapter. Enjoy your page. And don’t finish your book without getting the most out of it.” – Abby, 14
“Det du kan er imponerende. Jeg er mor til 2 børn på henholdsvis 8 og 10 år som begge over forskellige perioder har benyttet dig og stadig løbende gør og vil sikkert gøre det ud i fremtiden.
Du er for dem en person som kan skille deres “hverdagsproblemer” og deres “hverdagsudfordringer” ad, som opstår i skolen og i deres udvikling.
Du formår at komme ind bag ved og åbne op og give dem værktøjer de kan bruge.
Det er så vildt at se hvad det flytter.
Det du kan har haft afgørende betydning for mine børn og jeg er dig dybt taknemmelig.
Min datter har du formået via af jeres snakke, at vende fra at være en pige, der havde store sociale problemer i sin klasse, få venner og dårlig trivsel. Til en pige der har fået begge ben på jorden og tør sig fra og har nu fået en stor vifte af venner på sin nye skole.
Den tro hun har fået på sig selv, er din fortjeneste. Hendes tro på sig selv, det er så vildt.
Hun sagde til mig en dag. Mor det er meget bedre at snakke med Stine for hun forklare tingene så jeg kan forstå dem.
Selvom jeg ved jeg siger næsten det samme er det bare noget andet når du gør det. Du skiller tingene ad, så de får et klart billede af hvem deres “modstandere” er.
Hun var ved at dø af skræk den første gang hun skulle “udfører” en af de opgaver du havde stillet hende. Vi snakkede meget om hvordan hun kunne gøre. Og igen hvor var det vildt, da hun havde taget det første skridt og løst den første opgave. Hun strålede og siden har det ene taget det andet.
Min søn er en helt anden støbning. Han hader at snakke om det der der gør ondt inden bag i. Og han syntes ikke jeg var verdens sjoveste mor, da han skulle snakke med dig første gang. Han var meget ked af at gå i skole, syntes ikke han havde nogen venner, alle drillede eller var sure på ham. Han trives bare ikke og hans selvværd var helt i bund.
Jeg skulle være med på side linjen første gang og jeg var meget spændt på om du kunne lukke ham op og få lov at komme ind bag ved. Det er normalt ikke nemt.
Der gik 10 min så havde du arbejdet dig ind bag ved skallen og han snakkede. Jeg sad så jeg kunne høre Jeres samtale, da jeg havde lovet ham at være i nærheden. Der gik ikke længe før min tårrer bare trillede. Igen det var så vildt det du gør.
Efter den første samtale var det som en stor sten var forsvundet fra hans skuldre, selv en hans bedste ven kunne se en forandring uden han viste hvad der var sket.
Han snakkede og snakkede efter jeres første snak og kunne skille tingene ad.
Den gave de har fået gennem dig, har jeg ikke ord og følelser at forklare med. Andet end betænk ikke din kunnen.
Og jeg vil ønske for alle der står med et barn der ikke trives på den ene eller anden måde at prøve dette.
Som forældre til børn der ikke trives af den ene eller anden grund, er dette en fantastisk metode og mulighed af 2 grunde.
De kan sidde hjemme i deres trygge omgivelser og snakke med dig.
Og ens børn bliver ikke sygelig gjort som skulle de til psykolog.
Det gør så ondt når ens børn ikke har det godt.
Jeg anbefaler dig varmt til alle jeg kender :O) ” – Charlotte