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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Life coach finds joy in growth


Denise Holtzer is a life-coach and motivational speaker. 
 (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)
Kim Cheeley Correspondent

Denise Holtzer, life coach, training consultant and owner of Innovative Life Solutions, has just wrapped up a 26-week course for Sandpoint Probation and Parole, providing life skills to clients who need practical skills for assimilating into society. Most of the students are prison parolees who are ordered by a judge to attend the sessions. Many grew up in poverty, but are now expected to function in society with middle-class values, and these must be taught.

At the first class, the students were angry that they were forced not only to participate but to pay for the class as well. It was a struggle for some of the students just to get to class. Class began at 5:30 p.m., which meant that some of the students had to leave work early, sacrifice pay and arrange for child care in order to attend. One student rode his bicycle nine miles each way – from Sagle to Sandpoint.

But it moved, Holtzer said, from ” ‘This is not what I expected’ to ‘I think this is going to be OK.’ It’s a challenge to win over an audience that doesn’t want to be there.” Fifteen students successfully completed the course and participated in a “graduation” ceremony.

“I count success in small doses,” said Holtzer. “People who initially refused to communicate began to open up and acknowledge their feelings. The class voted to continue the relationship unit, even though the subject matter was painful. A couple of the students have volunteered to be guest speakers for the next session.”

Her students are enthusiastic in their praise of Holtzer and the class she designed. Katie, a member of Holtzer’s first graduating class, says, “I learned to identify patterns I hadn’t noticed before, and Denise helped us find ways to take life with a different approach.”

Tom, another graduate, adds, “I started out scared, but I learned how to better direct my life. I ended up being very happy I took the class.”

Holtzer started Innovative Life Solutions in October 2004, when she had an opportunity to go to Mexico with friends but needed $385 for the condo and food. She asked herself, “What do I love to do that could bring in a little extra cash? I love to help people live fuller, richer lives.” Holtzer now holds workshops and facilitates meetings for businesses, and does one-on-one mentoring and life-coaching.

“A life coach works with individuals, moving people toward bettering themselves. But as a coach, I’m not diagnosing or treating psychological disorders,” she said.

Holtzer’s skills in brain-storming and listening, and her knowledge of local resources are invaluable in her business.

Life-coaching in the United States is unregulated, and there are no license requirements. There are licensing boards, and the Federation of Life Coaches with dues and classes and certification, but membership is not required.

Holtzer has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, with emphasis in psychology and healthy living. She also is a certified career development facilitator, having completed coursework and a three-year supervised internship.

A gifted storyteller, Holtzer incorporates a “mental elixir” similar to the firefly story (below) into her presentations, which, she said, “refreshes the brain and connects to the soul.” She also makes use of social games, kinesthetic or “learning-by-doing” activities, students teaching each other, fun, humor and practical lessons.

Jill Jurvelin, a participant in Holtzer’s “guinea pig” workshop, said the sessions helped her make more sense of her responses in life.

“I went away encouraged, and more aware of options … more aware of who I was and why I was the way I was,” she said.a

Business is picking up, and Holtzer faces the challenge of balancing her job with her consulting practice. She is definitely in her element. With a twinkle in her eye and a dimpled smile, she adds, “It brings joy to my life to see growth, to see people move toward their dreams.”