Integrated Life Coaching for Clarity, Emotional Regulation, and Lasting Change
Supporting personal growth through structured coaching and embodied practices that strengthen both insight and nervous-system stability.
A Grounded Path to Lasting Change
I support individuals who are ready to move beyond repeating patterns and step into greater clarity, self-trust, and emotional steadiness. Through an integrated approach that combines structured life coaching with somatic practices, I help clients create meaningful change that feels grounded, sustainable, and forward-moving. This work is not about pushing harder, it's about building the inner stability that allows real progress to unfold.
Ways to Work With Me
Private Coaching
Flexible, Personalized Support
One-on-one sessions tailored to your needs, offering practical tools and steady guidance as you navigate challenges, transitions, or important decisions.
Yoga Nidra & Yin Yoga
Restorative and Nervous Support
Gentle, restorative practices that support deep rest, nervous system regulation, and emotional balance through guided stillness and breath.
Remembering Me
My Signature Journey
A structured, supportive journey designed to help you understand your patterns, reconnect with yourself, and create meaningful change from the inside out.
Hi there!
I'm Vala a life coach, yoga instructor, cancer survivor, and someone who knows what it means to rebuild life from the inside out.
My journey has taken me through deep personal change, healing, and learning how to listen to my body and trust myself in a whole new way.
I'm still on this journey myself, not perfect, still learning, and continuing to grow alongside the people I support.
Today, I support others who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, helping them move toward clarity, acceptance, and meaningful change at a pace that feels steady and sustainable.
Using simple, effective tools drawn from coaching and somatic practices, I help you reconnect with your emotions, understand your patterns, and find your voice, so you can move forward with confidence and self-trust.
You're not meant to do this alone.
In my work, I blend structured life coaching with somatic practices that support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and nervous system stability. By combining evidence-based coaching tools with restorative practices like Yoga Nidra and Yin Yoga, I help you move beyond repeating patterns and into greater clarity, resilience, and self-trust.
My Integrated Approach to Lasting Change
This is how I work
Structured Coaching
Using the Adult Chair® Model
Using the Adult Chair® framework, we explore your patterns, emotions, and beliefs so you can respond to life from clarity rather than reactivity.
Somatic Awareness
Body-Based Emotional Work
Through somatic tools, you'll learn to recognize how emotions show up in the body and develop practical ways to regulate your nervous system.
Deep Rest Practices
Yoga Nidra & Yin Yoga Practices
Restorative practices support deep nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and sustainable inner healing.
Sustainable Change
Integration Into Daily Life
This work isn't about quick fixes, it's about creating lasting shifts that feel grounded, steady, and supportive of your everyday life.
Training, Certifications & Educational Background
My work is grounded in both professional training and lived experience, bringing together coaching, somatic practices, and education to support meaningful, lasting change.
My professional foundation includes:
Coaching & Emotional Work
Certified Adult Chair® Master Coach
The Michelle Chalfant Company — 2026
Certified Adult Chair® Coach
The Michelle Chalfant Company — 2023
Yoga & Somatic Practices
Yin Yoga Teacher Training (RYT 50)
Yoga Alicia Casillas — 2025
I AM Yoga Nidra™ Professional Training (RYT 100)
Amrit Yoga Institute — 2023
Yin Yoga Training — (RYT 20)
Yoga Wise — 2022
Yoga Instructor (RYT 200)
Jogasetrid — 2022
Education
Postgraduate Diploma — Educational Leadership & Administration
University of Iceland — 2018
Teaching Certification (Ages 6–20)
Reykjavik University — 2009
MA — International Public Relations
Cardiff University — 2006
BA — English, Language & Literature
University of Iceland — 2003
Professional Experience
Over the past 15 years, my work has centered on supporting growth, learning, and emotional development across diverse settings. From classrooms to international education to adult learning and one-on-one coaching, I have guided individuals through change, challenge, and personal transformation.
I spent over six years as a classroom teacher in high school settings, in Iceland and internationally. During this time, I supported students academically and emotionally, helping them build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness during important stages of development.
Beyond traditional classrooms, I worked in educational and community-based settings for over eight years supporting both youth, adults and other educators, designing and facilitating learning experiences that encouraged communication, reflection, and personal growth.
Education & Teaching Experience
Much of my professional work has taken place in non-profit and adult education environments, where I supported individuals navigating transitions, challenges, and personal development. I have facilitated workshops, led group learning experiences, and guided individuals seeking clarity, direction, and meaningful change.
Since becoming a certified coach in 2023, I have worked with individuals in one-on-one and group settings, supporting emotional awareness, self-trust, and nervous system regulation through structured coaching and somatic practices.
Adult Learning & Coaching Experience
Across every role, my work has remained rooted in supporting people in reconnecting with themselves, building self-trust, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Areas I Commonly Support
Many people come to this work feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. These are some of the areas I commonly support clients with.
Feeling Stuck &
Loss of Direction
Feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward
Loss of identity or sense of self
Feeling disconnected from your needs or desires
Difficulty making decisions with confidence
Wanting change but not knowing where to begin
Self-Doubt &
Blurred Boundaries
Self-doubt or second-guessing yourself
Difficulty setting healthy boundaries
People-pleasing patterns
Feeling responsible for others' emotions
Struggling to prioritize your own needs
Emotional Overwhelm
& Regulation
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
Difficulty regulating strong emotions
Feeling constantly "on edge"
Trouble slowing down or resting
Wanting support reconnecting with your body
If any of this feels familiar, you're not alone and support is available.
What Clients Are Saying
“Working with Vala has been a deeply grounding and empowering experience. Each session provides a safe, reflective space where I feel truly seen and encouraged to slow down, acknowledge my growth, and reconnect with my strengths. Vala’s guidance is thoughtful, compassionate, and insightful, helping me gain clarity and confidence in both who I am and where I’m going.”
— Najmo
Clients often share how this work has helped them feel more grounded, clear, and connected to themselves.
“The time with Vala was very helpful. She has an excellent ability to find tools that suit each situation. A resourceful and warm-hearted coach who is wonderful to turn to.”
— Sigurbjörg
“Vala helped me look at thoughts I had been working hard to suppress. Our session was therapeutic and impactful.”
— Lisa
“Vala is understanding and effective at guiding me toward my goals. She has the tools to support meaningful transformation.”
— Sandra
“I came to Vala wanting to feel more focused in my everyday life, but unexpectedly I was guided to something deeper and closer to the core. Vala has a calm, warm presence and helps you see things more clearly and understand why certain feelings come up.”
— Anonymous
“What stood out most to me was how calm everything felt. Vala guided me through examining my feelings with care and clarity, keeping me focused so I never felt lost or alone. After the session, I felt more open and willing to explore my emotions.”
— Kristjana
“Vala was able to ground me and ask thought-provoking questions, offering suggestions that I believe will be very helpful.”
— Klara
“I found Vala to be kind and empathetic. She asked the right questions that helped me dig deeper and validated my feelings. Even in a short time, we unpacked a lot, and she gave me helpful tools to continue the work on my own.”
— Puja
You don’t have to do this alone
If you're ready to reconnect with yourself, understand your patterns, and create meaningful change, I’m here to support you.
Together, we will create a space where you can slow down, listen inward, and move forward with clarity and confidence.