Rooted in Resilience

At Ginkgo Tree Coaching, I support teens and young adults who have experienced trauma by guiding them to build inner tools for navigating life with more self-trust, confidence, and responses over reactions. I partner with families who value autonomy, growth, and emotional skill-building — helping young people carry practical tools and resilience from one challenging moment to the next. My goal is to empower them to shape the life they want, rather than letting past experiences define who they become.

What is Resilience Life Coaching?

My style of resilience coaching helps teens and young adults build the skills and mindset to navigate life’s ups and downs with more clarity, confidence, and steadiness — especially after difficult or traumatic experiences.
Whether you’re moving through emotional overwhelm, life transitions, or day to day stress, my goal is to help you (or your teen/young adult) develop practical tools, strengthen self-trust, and learn how to respond rather than react. The work isn’t about avoiding challenges — it’s about building the capacity to move through them and grow from what you experience.

Coaching does not replace therapy or clinical trauma treatment. Coaching is future focused and supports growth and resilience. Although, coaching and therapy co-exist very well together.

Coaching for Teens and Young Adults

Being young in today’s world is tough — and for many, it’s being shaped by difficult or traumatic experiences.
As a resilience coach, I support teens and young adults in learning how to navigate big emotions, stress, and life’s challenges with more steadiness and self-trust. Together, we focus on building emotional and cognitive skills — such as self-regulation, flexible thinking (growth mindset), focus, and decision-making — then carrying their practical tools and resilience from one hard moment into the next, so you’re not just surviving life, you’re growing and gaining strength throughout the challenges you are facing (or have faced).

What is Resilience Life Coaching?

Life is full of twists and turns, and every challenge holds an opportunity for growth. Resilience Coaching helps you develop emotional balance, self-compassion, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. You’ll gain the confidence to face difficult situations and turn them into stepping stones for a better future.

Meet Your Coach:

Valerie Shaw-Gavel

Hi, I’m Valerie Shaw-Gavel, founder of Ginkgo Tree Coaching. My life has been shaped by profound challenges, including childhood sexual abuse, the loss of loved ones, and the impacts of addiction within my family. These experiences have taught me how to turn pain into growth and adversity into strength, shaping the compassionate, intuitive coach I am today. With a BA in psychology, certification as a Youth Resilience Coach, and over 20 years of experience working with people from all walks of life, I’ve built this practice to help others tap into their strength, overcome challenges, and thrive—just as I have.

Testimonials

A Life-Changing Experience

Working with Ginkgo Tree Coaching has been nothing short of transformational. For the first time—maybe ever—someone genuinely asked me what I wanted, without judgment, without pressure. I was met with support, encouragement, and the kind of accountability that feels like a warm nudge, not a shove.

Because of this coaching, I’m finally on the path toward achieving goals I never believed were possible. I’m breaking free from habits and thought patterns that kept me stuck for over a decade. My self-worth has skyrocketed. I’ve learned to better regulate my emotions, speak up with more confidence, and set boundaries without guilt. I’m becoming the version of me I didn’t think I could be and taking my power back! Her authenticity is truly inspiring and has given me the courage to just show up as myself and be proud of who I am. So thankful to Valerie!

If you’re even thinking about working with Ginkgo Tree Coaching—do it. Your future self will thank you.

- Amy J.

During my time with Valerie, I was able to open up about how I was feeling physically and emotionally. Valerie always made me feel like I was able to share with her how I was feeling and I never once felt as if she was judging me. I was able to talk about the things that bothered me the most and Valerie was able to help me come up with ways/solutions to help me cope with my feelings and issues. After each session I always felt like we had accomplished something and had a plan moving forward. The last meeting we had together, I felt like I had a strong foundation built moving forward on my own after meeting with Valerie multiple times!

The process was super easy and Valerie was extremely flexible with scheduling. It took me six times of meeting with Valerie for 45 minutes to get my life back on track and have a foundation to build off of in the future when life starts to get challenging. I was skeptical at first and wasn’t sure that there was anyone who could help me, but I am extremely grateful I took the opportunity to meet with her and get my mindset where it needed to be.

- Taylor J.

Highly Recommended!!

Working with Valerie has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for both myself and my son. From day one, she created a safe, supportive space where we both felt truly heard and understood. She was incredibly patient, understanding, and really put in the work to connect with him—which is no small task! He’s not the easiest kid to reach, but somehow she got through to him in a way no one else has. I gradually saw changes which were amazing!

For me, the experience was amazing as well—she helped me refocus, grow emotionally, helped with ideas to better support my family and reminded me how important self care is.

If you’re looking for someone who listens with compassion, speaks with wisdom, and truly cares, I can’t recommend Valerie enough. We are beyond grateful for this time and the positive changes it’s brought into our lives.

- Kayley F.

Start Your Journey

From a free discovery call to personalized coaching sessions, we’ll work together to set goals, overcome blockers, and create the future you want. Flexible packages and add-ons like on-demand calls and unlimited messaging make it easy to get the support you need.

Ready to take the first step? Book your free 20-minute discovery call today, and let’s start building the life you deserve.