Dr. Lauren S. Tashman provides mindset coaching and team culture consulting to individuals and teams/organizations in the metro New York City area and worldwide. Whether working with individuals or teams, the ultimate focus is on optimizing mindset and actions. I both support and challenge clients to help them more consistently align performance with potential as well as ignite growth. 
​
My approach to coaching clients is largely grounded in the following theories and ideas:
  • Cognitive-behavioral theory - our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and what we think drives what we do whether we are aware of it or not. Understanding our habits of thinking and driving better habits (thoughts, feelings, behaviors) over time is essential.
  • Personal construct theory - the meaning we each give to our experiences is important. If we want to optimize performance then we need to better understand ourselves and our perspectives.
  • Humanistic approach- we have a basic, human need for personal growth and can make choices about how we think and respond. Further, a client-centered approach emphasizes the importance of our collaboration where the client is an active participant in the process. 
  • Self-determination theory - we are driven by our fundamental psychological needs: to feel competent, in control, and related to others. These needs and our own personal needs affect how we think and feel, what we do, and how we interact with others. 
  • Mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment - we are naturally built to have poor attention spans, and in today's busy world staying in the present moment can be a challenge. Learning to stay focused in  the here-and-now, accept the thoughts and experiences we have, and commit to focusing on the task at hand will lead to more relaxed, focused performance. We have to learn how to perform even if we're not in the right headspace.
  • Evolutionary psychology - despite the many years humans have evolved, our stress response and social nature are meant to be adaptive. They can set us up for success or pose formidable obstacles to high performance.
  • Positive psychology - if our thoughts drive our actions, then fostering a growth mindset and optimal outlook (functional optimism) will drive effective actions that will lead to optimal performance. We don't always need to focus on what's wrong; focusing on strengths, actively feeding our confidence/motivation, and working on expecting good things while preparing for challenges can greatly benefit our performance.
  • Transtheoretical model - changes will only happen when someone is ready for them. Clients need to be ready and committed to apply what they are learning.
  • Expert performance - quality practice is essential. We must train our minds for what we want to see out of ourselves in performance. Consistently pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones will help us continually improve, focus on mastery, and perform at our best.​ Yet, we must value that quality practice includes effectively navigating our energy...we don't get the best out of ourselves if we never recharge the battery!
  • Systems theory and socialecological model - there are many levels of people and groups around each of us that impact our mindset, leadership, and performance. And for teams/organizations, working together at all levels of the group is essential for optimizing performance. Everyone needs to be involved and invested in helping the group to perform at its best.​

Working with me involves:
  • Taking into consideration you and your specific needs to determine what information and approach might be most valuable for you or your team/organization.​
  • Guiding you towards actionable insights while teaching you (or your team) about how the mind influences performance and/or the science underlying leadership, team dynamics and culture (knowledge is power!).
  • Advising you in implementing what you have learned utilizing various mindset tools or team strategies to prepare you for sustainable high performance.
  • The focus is on information, insights, and tools...knowledge (about oneself and others, and in the moment) is power, and a full toolbox with sharpened tools helps us be prepared.
A variety of services are available to fit your needs. After an initial consultation, we will determine what your needs are and will identify an approach personalized for you and/or your team.
"You need to  prepare your mind for where your body may have to go." 
~Stacy Lim, LA police officer