I have consciously not committed myself to any single method or therapeutic approach. Life Empowerment means autonomy, self-determination, and self-responsibility. It is more than coaching or a specific form of therapy. It includes elements of classic coaching and narrative biographical work. My goal with LIFE EMPOWERMENT is to offer you the form of support that you need and desire in your current life situation. I help you to rediscover your strengths and resources. I encourage you towards self-help, to push beyond experienced or self-imposed limits, and to feel comfortable in your life once again. This path may not be easy at the beginning, but it is worth it. I accompany you on this journey, with a good dose of humor as well. Nothing is more healing than laughing together.
Through my Life Empowerment concept, I provide help and support in the following areas:
The first step for me, with you, is to find out what you truly need. My strength lies in combining a compassionate perspective towards others with clear perception, paired with a broad range of skills and tools. Together, we will discover how we can enhance and strengthen your level of health, happiness, and inner peace. My own life has not been linear, but rather filled with many major changes and challenges, which have given me a wealth of experience. This has helped me develop deep empathy, social competence, sensitivity, and a profound understanding of the various life situations and emotions of others. That is why you and your needs are the true focus of Life Empowerment.
Most people want to decide for themselves how they will be treated medically in the event of illness or after an accident, even when they are no longer able to communicate their wishes. Advance healthcare planning is important for everyone—whether sick or healthy, young or old, living alone or in a family or community. The documents, such as a care directive, power of attorney, and living will, are intended to specify which medical measures the person wishes to accept or reject, and who is authorized to make medical and administrative decisions on their behalf, in case the patient is temporarily or permanently unable to speak or decide for themselves. Illness, aging, and serious accidents are topics we often prefer to avoid. Taking a thorough look at these potential events and conditions in detail, which is necessary to create truly meaningful and legally binding advance directives, is challenging, often painful, and very complex. Yet, it is extremely important, especially when living abroad, to ensure that our wishes are respected and our dignity is preserved in such circumstances.
Decisions, especially regarding life-sustaining measures, are often a challenge. In critical situations, patients cannot speak for themselves, and their treatment preferences remain unclear. Imagine you are no longer able to communicate, and your family must make decisions without your direct consent. In such cases, decisions may be made that do not necessarily reflect your true wishes. This highlights the shortcomings of traditional practices: Without clear advance planning, it is nearly impossible to understand and implement the patient’s actual desires. Creating living wills is often done by general practitioners or can even be completed online. However, this process often lacks a thorough examination of the complex issues involved. The ACP (Advance Care Planning) method offers a much more detailed approach, leading to greater clarity for patients, doctors, and family members.
In several conversations, we will work together to clarify which medical treatments you personally wish to accept or decline. I will gently guide you through the possible scenarios and explain your options in detail, including the potential medical and personal consequences. Together, following a certified methodology, we will create a comprehensive and detailed document that addresses all important medical questions and possible situations, clearly reflecting your individual wishes. In addition to one-on-one guidance for creating a living will and specifying your last wishes and desires for the end of life, I also offer assistance in determining and appointing a legal representative, either through individual or family coaching.The issue of appointing a legal representative is often complicated and raises additional questions upon closer examination: Who will take on this responsibility? Who will represent me and my wishes if I can no longer advocate for myself? To whom do I want to, and can I, entrust this responsibility, and to whom not? How will my family react to my wishes and decisions?My goal is to ensure that you will be treated according to your wishes in the future, even if you are no longer able to express them yourself. I am well-versed in the legal requirements for creating a living will in Spain, Germany, and Austria. I am happy to assist you in drafting a legally binding and effective living will.The ACP concept (Advance Care Planning) promotes self-determination for chronically ill, severely ill, or care-dependent individuals, especially in the final stages of life. With a living will, you can clearly and firmly establish your wishes. Such a document also provides you and your loved ones with additional security before major surgeries.
The responsibility of caring for a dependent relative, whether it's a parent, a close family member, or a spouse or partner, can be overwhelming and bring a flood of duties and emotions. This burden can be even heavier for expatriates, as they often live far from their remaining friends and family in their home country and are thus outside the familiar support networks of their homeland. Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and possibly lacking connections within the medical community can make an already stressful situation even more challenging. In such acute crisis situations, I offer support for caregivers through therapeutic coaching to help them cope with the emotional challenges of the crisis. Additionally, I provide practical assistance by facilitating access to the right medical professionals, explaining and clarifying necessary treatments or caregiving support. In essence, I act as a 'patient advocate.' My primary goal is always the well-being of both the affected person and their caregivers.
In extraordinary times, many people may find it difficult to respond appropriately. Alongside grief, emotions such as fear, anger, uncertainty, guilt, weakness, pain, or doubt can arise, making the situation hard to bear. I offer you a safe space to speak openly, recharge, organize your thoughts, and listen. My wish is for your courage and confidence in life to return, so you can be yourself again without feeling alone. It is particularly important to me to act as a neutral party in difficult family situations, helping to break through taboos or entanglements. This can be done in both individual and group sessions.
You just have to live long enough to be happy. You just have to live long enough, and some dreams come true. And that's true! 'Shedding skins' – every 7 years. What remains of the old skin, what is added anew?"
(Traudel Rudigier, 1938-2021, written in October 2006)
