Christi Bamford, Ph.D., ACC

Reconnect with what matters to you, outside of the professional rat race, institutional politics, or anyone else’s expectations. We will work to identify your unique values, strengths, priorities, and sense of purpose. These become a foundation for making decisions and moving forward with greater clarity. 

 Develop a more balanced way of looking at your life and your future. This isn't about pretending everything is fine or forcing yourself to think positively, because that would be unhealthy and unproductive.  Together we will work on moving past pessimism, finding realistic reasons for hope, and identifying what good things are possible for you despite the difficult circumstances you’re facing.

Sometimes we are doing the work and moving forward just fine, but we lack confidence or we just feel “off” and not as happy as we would like.  I can help you work through what is getting in the way of thriving in your daily life and your work. Sometimes it’s a mental blocker, a habitual way of thinking or behaving that you didn’t realize you had adopted, or choices about how you spend your energy that aren’t aligned with your values and priorities.  Whatever the reason, there are ways to improve your confidence and wellbeing and move toward flourishing. 

 Work through decisions, competing priorities, difficult problems, and mental barriers that make it hard to move forward. Consider me a thinking partner, one who is invested in your goals, your success, and your overall sense of wellbeing.

Whether you chose the change or it was imposed on you, I will work with you to figure out what you can control, adapt to what you cannot, and identify new opportunities that often come from change.

Transitions can feel overwhelming.  I will help you ask the bigger questions that guide your steps, so you can move forward with confidence that you are heading in the right direction, no matter how big or small the initial steps might be. We will set a plan, test ideas, and prototype options so that you have the information you need for embracing the right opportunity.

Higher Education is a strange place, and the path can be very lonely.  Whether you're navigating the job market, working toward tenure, juggling contingent positions, or considering taking on a new project or responsibility, I will partner with you in deciding which path best serves your interests, utilizes your strengths, and aligns with your values. 

Should you stay or should you go now?  Higher education has always required sacrifice, long work hours, and an austerity mindset, and now the road ahead is even more tenuous for everyone, tenured or not. Do you want to weather the changes ahead and build a better future for higher education?   Or is it time to figure out how to use your unique skills and talents in other domains, where your impact might be greater and where you might find a better sense of balance?  I will support you as you work through this time of change and find ways to turn it into a time of renewal.