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Transforming Lives from the 
Inside Out

Do you feel undervalued and overwhelmed by the weight of your compassion? Many in helping professions and faith communities struggle with burnout and imposter syndrome. As a spiritually informed holistic life coach, I help you rediscover purpose, reclaim identity, and build resilience—so you can find balance, enhance your impact, and reignite the joy in your calling.

 

Are you a healer feeling emotionally numb, burdened by vicarious trauma, and struggling with work-life balance? I understand the toll of compassion fatigue. As an integrative mental wellness coach, I provide support to help you prioritize your well-being, manage stress, and build sustainable self-care practices through holistic approaches.


As a leader, do you feel drained, disconnected, and uncertain about your purpose? The relentless demands of leadership can erode clarity and fulfillment. I offer a safe space, tools, and support to help you navigate adversity, cultivate self-care, and lead with authenticity, confidence, and compassion.

Rachel sitting on outdoor stairs holding a glass tumbler decorated with sheep

Hi, I'm Rachel Shepherd

Certified Spiritually Informed Life Coach

and Mental Wellness Coach

At my core, I’m a deeply introspective, candid, and compassionate person who values connection and authenticity. I’m highly attuned to others, which helps me serve with empathy—though I know the challenges of sensitivity all too well. I thrive in intimate, meaningful relationships and hold a strong commitment to showing up with humor, integrity, and heart.

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Personally, I’m a wife, a proud TeeTee to three incredible little ones, and a middle child shaped by a family legacy of service—raised by parents who modeled caregiving through roles as pastors, a nurse, a therapist, a teacher, and a community leader. These influences, alongside my own life experiences, have instilled in me both a drive to serve and a journey toward self-compassion and balance.

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I hold a B.A. in Psychology and Religious Studies from Hendrix College and an M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. My professional background spans both ministry and mental health settings, where I’ve consistently been recognized for my resilience, attention to detail, and capacity to walk with others through complex identity and purpose work.

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As the founder of Rachel Shepherd LLC, I offer spiritually informed coaching designed especially for helpers, healers, leaders, and those who walk through the world with sensitivity and care. My approach integrates mental wellness, spirituality, and identity, helping clients restore alignment and clarity from within. The name I carry—Rachel, meaning “lamb,” and Shepherd—reminds me daily that I am both nurturer and nurtured, caretaker and cared for. That truth lives at the heart of my work.

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Here, you are invited to explore wholeness without performance, to reclaim your sense of purpose, and to reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been set aside while showing up for others.

 

Welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

​Got questions?

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I've got answers! Dive into these FAQs to learn more about spiritual and mental wellness coaching, my approach, and how I can support you on your journey to an inner wholeness which bears outer fruit. Discover the insights you need to take the next step towards embracing your true self and living a fulfilling life. Other questions welcome through email, chat, or over your beverage of choice!

1. What is spiritual and mental wellness coaching?

Spiritual and mental wellness coaching is a collaborative process that blends psychology, spirituality, and holistic well-being to support personal growth, resilience, and life balance.

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  • Spiritual coaching helps individuals explore and nurture their spiritual beliefs, values, and practices, fostering authentic living and a deeper sense of purpose.

  • Mental wellness coaching focuses on personal and professional growth, helping individuals integrate positive change, build support systems, and work toward goals like improved relationships, work-life balance, and overall well-being.

 

Unlike therapy, coaching does not diagnose or treat mental health disorders but rather supports those who are functioning well and seeking guidance in specific areas of life.​

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2. How is coaching different from therapy, counseling, or consulting?

While therapy focuses on healing past trauma and diagnosing/treating mental health conditions, coaching is future-focused and action-oriented.

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Key differences:

  • Approach – Coaching emphasizes empowerment and self-discovery rather than clinical treatment.

  • Process – Coaching is a collaborative and long-term process rooted in personal and professional development.

  • Roles – Therapists analyze past experiences; coaches facilitate self-exploration and goal-setting.

  • Focus – Coaching helps individuals gain clarity, build confidence, and take actionable steps toward meaningful change.

 

Other Relevant disclaimers regarding my particular scope of practice include but are not limited to:​

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Not a Replacement for Therapy or Medical Treatment: Coaching is not therapy or medical care. Therapy focuses on healing past wounds, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, often addressing deep-rooted emotional distress and behavioral challenges. Coaching, on the other hand, works with individuals who are generally functioning well but seek guidance, clarity, and personal growth. While coaching can complement therapy, it does not diagnose, treat, or provide clinical interventions for mental health disorders.

 

  • Professional Boundaries: Clear boundaries are maintained to uphold the integrity of the coaching relationship, including providing advice beyond coaching expertise.

  • No Legal, Financial, or Medical Advice: Coaching does not provide legal, financial, or medical guidance. Clients should seek qualified professionals for these matters.

  • Not for Crisis Situations: Coaching is not for emergencies or acute mental health crises. Clients in distress should seek immediate support from emergency services or licensed professionals.

  • Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for their decisions, actions, and outcomes. Coaching offers guidance, but the path forward is ultimately in the client’s hands.​

  • Commitment to Ethical Standards: Coaching adheres to professional ethical guidelines, such as those set by the International Coach Federation (ICF), ensuring integrity and client rights.​​​

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3. Who can benefit from spiritual and mental wellness coaching?

Anyone seeking support in identity, purpose, spirituality, or mental well-being can benefit from coaching, especially those experiencing:​

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  • Burnout, imposter syndrome, or compassion fatigue

  • A desire for greater meaning and satisfaction in life

  • A need to align spiritual values with daily life and responsibilities

  • Struggles with decision-making and confidence

  • A longing for more presence, mindfulness, and resilience

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​4. What can I expect from a coaching session?

Sessions are tailored to your needs and goals, providing a sacred, open, and empowering space for self-exploration.​

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  • You set the focus—whether it’s a specific goal, a recent experience, or a broader life challenge.

  • I offer active listening, reflective dialogue, and open-ended questions to help you gain clarity.

  • Together, we identify actionable steps and create a plan for accountability.​

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If you’re unsure of what you need, I help you uncover and clarify your path forward.

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5. How many coaching sessions will I need?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term coaching, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll determine a plan that best suits your needs.

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6. Is coaching confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is a core principle of coaching. While coaching is not bound by the same legal protections as therapy, I uphold professional ethics and privacy standards, ensuring a safe and trusted space.

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7. What makes Rachel Shepherd LLC unique?

I offer spiritually informed, holistic coaching that is a unique blend of my personal experience, academic expertise, and practical wisdom. My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and empowerment, helping clients navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity.

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8. Do I need to have a specific religious or spiritual belief to benefit from coaching?

No. Coaching is inclusive and open to individuals of all faith backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, or secular perspectives. I honor and respect your unique journey.

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9. How do I get started with coaching?

It’s easy! Schedule a free consultation, where we’ll discuss your goals, assess your needs, and determine if coaching is the right fit. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to support your growth.​​

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