A steadier relationship with yourself changes everything.
Learn to offer yourself the same kindness you so easily give to others.
Self-compassion–based coaching and workshops for stress, self-criticism, and uncertainty.
When insight isn’t enough
You may be thoughtful, insightful, and caring—yet under pressure, self-criticism takes over.
Your own needs get sidelined, and insight alone doesn’t translate into relief or change.
This is where self-compassion becomes practical—helping you learn how to respond to yourself and life’s stressors with clarity, steadiness, and care.
I’m Heather Shaughnessy-Cato, a wellness coach focused on emotional well-being and self-compassion.
I offer personalized coaching and experiential workshops that help you translate and apply evidence-based self-compassion practices in everyday life.
An Integrated, Evidence-Based Approach
My coaching and workshops weave together complementary frameworks:
Self-Compassion
Developing a steady, supportive relationship with yourself—especially when things are hard.
Mindfulness
Building awareness so you can respond with intention instead of habit or reactivity.
Life Design
Clarifying what matters now and experimenting with small, meaningful next steps.
Rather than pushing harder or trying to think your way out of stress, we work with awareness, self-kindness, and real-life experiments—supporting clarity and change with more ease.
A More Sustainable Way Forward
This work supports a shift from:
- Self-criticism → self-kindness
- Judgment → understanding
- Feeling pressure → realistic expectations
- Holding tension → replenishing your energy
- Feeling stuck → clearer next steps
- Feeling alone → shared humanity
Ways to Work Together
Coaching
Workshops & Courses
Hi, I’m Heather
I’m a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and National Board–Certified Health and Wellness Coach, with a master’s degree in counseling and additional training in mindfulness, embodiment, yoga, and trauma-informed approaches.
My style is grounded, attentive, and practical.
I help people understand their inner experience with compassion—and translate that understanding into skillful, real-life change.
Client reflections
“I can’t express how much I enjoyed interacting with you during our coaching sessions. I got so much more out of it than I could have possibly imagined. With your gentle & insightful guidance, I was able to shift some long-ingrained patterns of harsh self-judgment.“
“The facilitation was superb. I felt the presence and kindness of Heather in each session. She is especially skilled at asking open ended questions with curiosity and kindness that draw out more of the participants experiences.”
“(Heather) brings an intuitiveness to her work with others. She offers an incredible ‘safe space’. There was never a moment working with Heather where I felt what I was going to share would not be ok. She takes everything in stride and is a fantastic listener and teacher!“
Let’s connect
If you’re curious about this work—or sensing that something needs to shift—you’re welcome to reach out. We can explore what you’re navigating and what kind of support might be most helpful.
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