Meet Cole

Yep, that’s moonshine.

Hi there. I'm Cole—an alcohol and IFS coach for those who are ready to rethink their relationship with drinking. 

But before I found my way into coaching (and found freedom from booze)... I was a hopeless romantic. And alcohol was the object of my desire. 

It wasn't just that I enjoyed drinking. It was part of my identity. I fully integrated it into every aspect of my life.

Alcohol played a significant role in my idea of what it means to be a man.

I thought I was tough and resilient because I could party all night and work a stressful job all day.

I even found a career as a seasonal worker in the hospitality industry that encouraged my alcohol use. (Read more about that here.)

Here’s the thing that it took me a while to realize…

…Alcohol took more than it ever gave.

I loved drinking for all the joy and confidence it gave me. When I was drinking, I felt alive. It was easier to cut loose and connect with friends.

Alcohol seemed to brighten the edges around my life, ease my worries, and give me wild experiences.

But, for everything that alcohol gave me, there was so much more that it took.

I love spending time in nature, but getting outside became difficult, much less enjoying the world with a raging hangover.

The quality of my friendships was important, but I found that my drinking had caused me to become increasingly isolated even when I was in a bar full of people.

I wanted to know the real me, and I thought alcohol gave me that, but it drowned all the meaning in my life and severed my connection with my true Self.

Breaking Free

I had lost connection to my purpose and the mysterious joy of life’s journey.

I needed to repair that connection and rediscover who I was. I knew that to achieve this, alcohol would have to be the first domino to fall.

Who was I without this substance in my life?

This question sparked an inner exploration that beautifully transformed my outer world.

Curiosity and compassion became my main tools for exploring my inner world. I was able to enter the dark places within me that I had been afraid to face.

I gained insights into the stories and beliefs I had about alcohol. I discovered the things that automatically trigger me to drink. And I began to uncover who the real me was when he didn’t have booze to run to.

In short, I rebuilt my self-trust, self-respect, and self-knowledge.

My life shifted course completely.

I felt aligned with who I was meant to be for the first time. I found my calling to be a coach and support for people who want to drink less.

This calling led me to enroll in a coaching certification program with This Naked Mind Institute in December of 2020.

From my own journey, I could recognize the truths in the methodology and resonated deeply with ideas like:

  • You were doing the best you could with the tools you had.

  • It is not your fault, but it is your responsibility.

  • You are not powerless but powerful.

In early 2021, I was introduced to Internal Family Systems (IFS).

The concept that we are made up of many different parts, each with their own fears, strengths, and ideas, made so much sense to me.

I began to connect with those parts, learning that none are bad and that they all have positive intent. I also discovered long-dormant aspects of myself—like enthusiasm, ambition, and joy—reawakening with new life.

This methodology impacted me so profoundly that I decided to study IFS further.

I took several certification courses and began incorporating IFS into my coaching practice. Now, I get to see my clients’ lives change because of these two powerful modalities.

Look, I know this journey is difficult for many of us.

We face doubt, shame, and criticism from deep within ourselves.

We have entrenched beliefs that we have never even questioned.

We have friends, family, and a culture that thinks something is wrong with us if we don’t drink an addictive and toxic substance.

That’s why I am here to offer a place where you can open up without shame or judgment and experience real change.

In combining This Naked Mind and IFS techniques, you can begin your journey to changing your relationship with alcohol and get the results you want.

My Commitment To You

As a dedicated advocate and coach for an alcohol-free lifestyle, I am committed to integrity, honesty, and authenticity in every aspect of my life and work.

By choosing to live alcohol-free, I strive to set a positive example, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for others seeking similar paths.

My coaching practice is built on transparency, respect, and unwavering support. I ensure that every individual feels valued and understood in their journey towards changing their relationship with alcohol.

Through this commitment, I aim to inspire lasting change, promoting well-being and resilience in all those I have the privilege to guide.