Joys & Challenges of “Wrap-Around” Coaching
Sometimes teachers and academic coaches find themselves on the front lines of student mental health. And the hard truth is that the last few years have seen an increase in mental health challenges for both students and educators—which has placed real strain on everyone involved.
In the video above, I talk with Erin Wilson Tempest, an executive function coach in the Circle of Anti-Boring Approach–trained coaches, about her immersive “wrap-around” coaching model and how it has enabled her to support two students and their families through extremely challenging circumstances.
Erin is a little unusual in that she came to me as a coach with an already thriving business—one she built very quickly. In fact, it was so successful that she found herself feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by it, and she reached out because she wanted help making the work more sustainable.
In this conversation, we talk not only about Erin’s approach to wrap-around coaching, but also about the unique gifts she brings to the Anti-Boring Learning Lab community, and the collaboration that has grown between us as she now hires and supports other coaches trained in the Anti-Boring Approach.
Please note: this video includes discussion of self-harm and suicidal ideation, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Erin shares supportive guidance and resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) at 1-800-273-8255, where individuals can talk or chat online with a trained counselor. She also offers perspective and care-oriented advice for parents who may fear their child is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Below is a list of the main topics we cover in the conversation, with approximate timestamps if you’d like to jump to specific sections:
0:15 — Meet Erin, former nanny and teacher turned Academic Life Coach
1:03 — Experiences Erin has had supporting students with mental health challenges
3:17 — Erin’s immersive “wrap-around” coaching model
6:55 — How the Anti-Boring Learning Lab community supported Erin during times of crisis
9:15 — One student’s struggle and an unexpected, hopeful turn
15:58 — Tools for help
20:08 — Advice for parents
23:20 — The line between being a therapist and a coach
26:18 — Erin on being an empath and building a business
30:10 — Hiring coaches trained in the Anti-Boring Approach
31:36 — How Erin has supported the Anti-Boring Learning Lab community
36:17 — Tips for making the most of the Anti-Boring tools and community
39:55 — Training on building authentic relationships
41:10 — Erin’s brand of “weird”
The video runs just over 43 minutes, which is longer than many of my usual conversations, but it covers a lot of meaningful ground—from supporting students and families in crisis, to navigating boundaries, to building a coaching business that aligns with who you are.
If you’re interested in learning more about coaches trained in the Anti-Boring Approach, including those who work with students requiring executive function support and wrap-around care, you can explore the Trained Coaches page here:
https://antiboringlearninglab.com/trained-coaches
And if this conversation stirred questions or reflections about supporting students in crisis, caring for yourself as an educator or coach, or creating a sustainable, values-aligned practice, you may find additional resources in the Visitor’s Center of the Anti-Boring Learning Lab:
https://antiboringlearninglab.com/resources
Finally, if you’re struggling emotionally—whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or adult in any role—please reach out for support. As Erin emphasizes so clearly in this conversation: you matter, and you are not alone.
A version of the following article was originally published here on June 6th, 2022.