Beth Waddel, Ph.D

The official word…born and raised in Southern California with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer/actress, who in Southern California doesn’t have that aspiration? Instead, after attending the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, decided to pursue a more academic path. Graduated with an undergraduate degree in Speech and Theatre from University of Illinois at Chicago and went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Interpersonal and Small Group Communication from University of Illinois. Taught at Indiana University prior to moving to Pullman, Wa where I received my doctorate at Washington State University  in 1985.

I was a staff psychologist at University of Idaho where I pursued my work with eating disordered women. Made the move to an independent private practice in 1991 and have been practicing since that time.

Interest in positive psychology and a strength based approach to working with people began in the late 90′s. I found myself much more attracted to a wellness model and moving farther away from the medical model. I enrolled in The Mentor Coach training program and have continued to work in that arena, with a professional goal of working in the “coaching” arena as opposed to a “mental health/illness” model

My professional aim is to shift from a private psychotherapy practice to a strength based coaching practice.  So many possibilities are open now due to technology .I will  be able to reach folks near and far. Coaching is designed to be done via phone, teleconferences, telegroups, the possibilities are endless.

My desire to move towards coaching has been to a large extent based on concerns about client confidentiality as related to medical records. Coaching is a collaborative, pro active relationship that does not involve third party payors, insurance companies, and diagnoses. The process is built on the assumption that we are all “healthy” and need support to reach our full potential.