“The good life is a process, not a state of being,” wrote Carl Rogers. “It is a direction, not a destination.” 

​

People often come to Essence Coaching when they are capable, conscientious, and committed—and yet find themselves stalled, depleted, or quietly discouraged. The work in front of them matters. The stakes feel real. And the usual advice to push harder or simply stay positive no longer helps. 

​

At Essence Coaching, the aim is not just to get more done, but to move forward in a way that is humane, sustaining, and meaningful. This is coaching for people who want to succeed and live fully while doing it. 

​

A Different Way of Moving Forward 

​

My work is grounded in positive psychology, motivation science, and coaching psychology, but it’s shaped just as much by close attention to lived experience. I help clients to clarify what truly matters while designing actions that align with their aspirations and values.  

​

Success should not be built on chronic stress, self-neglect, or ignoring other priorities—a common tendency that erodes effectiveness and well-being. People do their best work when energy, attention, values, and strengths are aligned. 

Rather than overreliance on grit or willpower, we focus on agency and intrinsic motivation. Clients learn how to set clear intentions—and just as importantly, how they can follow through on them. Their sense of control and energy return, the pace becomes more sustainable. Success is more assured. 

 

What Clients Often Experience 

​

Over time, clients often report: 

• Growing confidence and agency in the face of impostor syndrome and self-doubt 

• Increased energy and greater control of attention, leading to improved, sustained focus 

• Stronger organization of time and effort, reducing frustration and procrastination 

• Clearer goals and a more coherent path forward, grounded in personal values 

• More effective use of their character strengths to foster engagement and resilience 

• More frequent positive emotions and improved relationships 

• Desired success without sacrificing well-being  

 

Who This Work Is For 

​

I work with people who are engaged in demanding, long-horizon work and who want to move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and energy. 

​

My clients include writers, including authors and doctoral candidates working on dissertations. Others are professionals navigating career decisions or transitions. In both cases, the common challenges are often similar: impostor syndrome, uncertainty about goals or direction, difficulty organizing time and attention, and frustration with stalled progress. 

My clients tend to care deeply about doing work that has integrity. They are not looking for quick fixes or motivational hype. They want a way to make progress that is thoughtful, effective, and sustainable. They are open to challenging assumptions and trying new strategies. 

 

The Philosophy Behind Essence Coaching 

​

At the heart of my work is a simple conviction: progress and well-being are not trade-offs. 

I help clients make real progress while flourishing—because success that costs your well-being isn’t sustainable. As clients strengthen their capacity to set and keep meaningful intentions, they experience greater clarity, confidence, and hope—alongside a renewed capacity for joy and engagement. 

​

The aim is not just to finish important work, but to live fully while doing it. 
Success, joy, and meaning—pursued together. 

​

Gayle Scroggs, Ph.D., C.M.C., P.C.C.

​

You can read more about my journey and what informs my coaching here.