A Shift in Being: The Art and Practices of Deep Transformational Coaching

This book was a life changer for me. Leon's ability to explain the inner world as one moves through their personal journey of awakening is miraculous. This book is for those wanting to understand more deeply what the essence of this shift is. I was moving in a more traditional counseling direction when I came upon this book and it changed my course- it spoke to my heart and I felt such a resonance with the writing that I felt as if I had been waiting for this book all my life. Leon is a clear writer and gentle teacher--- and upon reading it I was ignited to move deeper in to this practice in myself and bring that in my assisting of others. I would recommend this book to anyone with an open heart and mind that longs for deeper meaning and healing in their lives. Thank you Leon!!

Leon Vanderpol’s book, A Shift in Being, is a refreshing, accessible roadmap into transformative value of holding ‘presence’ in our lives. Vanderpol guides the reader seamlessly through the stages of deep coaching. Each chapter unfolds naturally taking the reader on an effortless journey into the innermost workings of our Being. Vanderpol’s book is a door to the soul. His writings point the way to our pure essence and resonate with the works of St. Teresa of Avila’s, The Interior Castle, yet, instead of sequestering these moments to the confines of a monastery Vanderpol guides the reader to it’s deep abiding presence within our everyday lives. A Shift in Being demonstrates Vanderpol’s depth of the interior landscape of our true nature. The writings lift the complexity of the journey into the soul and bring it to an accessible platform that transcends labels and doctrines. The work reads like a meditation opening space for pureness and clarity. Vanderpol’s years of experience and wisdom are distilled beautifully in the body of this work. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to tap or connect into their true Self or for coaches wishing to take their coaching practice to the next level.

I am a Deep Transformational Coach and as such, this book has shown me how to shift in necessary and desired ways with my clients. A shift In Being has given me a way to work with clients that is gentle, deep and spiritually connected. More than that, this book has guided me to become the practitioner and person I have wanted to be: More self-accepting, less ego centered, more compassionate and more trusting in a Higher Power that is always available to guide me with clients and in my life. As someone who has always been passionate about self discovery and growth, this book definitely moved me very much closer to wholeness and to opening my heart. It will remain a tool for me to refer to time and time again, I am sure. If you are reading this, I believe you are being led to also read A Shift In Being by Leon Vander pol.

When I picked up the book, I was struggling in my business. I was disillusioned with a lot of the coaching industry, with business coaches promising you’d make money quick if you follow their formula, and I myself had spent a lot of money on these types of programs and coaches, with little to no results. I was seeing it for what it was, and I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to continue coaching because of how much manipulation and distortion I saw in the coaching industry. But when I picked up this book, I remembered why I loved coaching. Leon put words to so many things I intrinsically felt, and I loved how centered, simple, and grounded his concepts were. It reminded me that connection to Spirit, to ourselves, and to each other can be simple, not complicated. And he reminded me of the reason I came into coaching in the first place, to hold space for the transformation of others, and firstly to commit to my own growth and transformation always. This book helped me make some huge shifts in my life and business, and after reading it I signed up for the Deep Coaching Intensive through the Center. If you resonate with this book, you will LOVE the DCI. I highly recommend both this book and the course for anyone looking to hold space for themselves and others through transformation and through the messy experience of being human.

I first ordered this book as material for the Deep Coaching Intensive I participated in. I have since re-referenced, shared, and recommended it to clients, colleagues, and family members. Each chapter has helped me understand and connect with different aspects of transformation, and has encouraged me in my own journey and as a coach. It feels so wonderful to feel seen, understood, and to receive the hope and magic of growth through Leon's words and wisdom.

You don't have to be interested in coaching to benefit from this book. The first part of the book beautifully explains the journey of spiritual awakening and Self transformation. You will be amazed by Leon's words and how much they touch your Soul. When I was going through the "dark night of the soul" and having difficulty processing my experience, this book was my guiding light and saving grace. The second part of the book describes the 9 deep coaching practices, which are reminders for how to live a heart-centered life in connection with your Soul and divine Spirit. After reading this book and doing these practices, you will be transformed and inspired to help others do the same.

This book is thought provoking and asks you to consider yourself from a values based perspective. I think what you get out of this book depends on where you are in your journey and it does draw on philosophy from different cultures/ages but that's what is great. The author didn't need to reinvent these time less concepts of authenticity, empathy, community etc just lent his perspective. Highly recommend this book!

I trained with Leon to become a certified Deep Transformational Coach and this was the required text that was used in the course. Aside from being a master teacher of the Transformational Coaching approach, Leon is also gifted with the ability to write clearly about a process that is soul-deep. And while this is a book that helps one learn how to hold space for others as they embark upon their transformational journey, it first and foremost helps one learn how to hold space and transform for oneself. From exploring models of transformation to exploring one’s own spiritual values and transcendent practices, Leon’s book guides readers through an experience of reconnecting with themselves. I could not recommend this book highly enough.

I knew of Leon’s work through some of my own coaching sessions and, like him, have long felt the need for a deeper coaching experience and relationship. He has beautifully crafted this book as a journey into the world of deep transformational coaching which will benefit all readers, not just coaches. As we journey in our lives in this time, the practice of deep coaching allows us to get in touch with our greater selves, our deeper meaning, our true being that is already whole. Once this journey begins it becomes the destination. For we are already that which we seek. Congratulations Leon - great work and all the best.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was very helpful and awesome to gain a better understanding of my own personal transformation. After reading this book, the light in which I view any movie, book, or story with a “hero journey” has been forever changed. I especially liked exploring the stages of transformation. It allowed me to make more sense of where I am and where I can go. The energy work discussed is beyond my grasp at this time, but it leaves me yearning to further explore the possibilities. If you are a life coach, curious about transformation, or have been through a transformation this book is a must read!

This book was a life changer for me. Leon's ability to explain the inner world as one moves through their personal journey of awakening is miraculous. This book is for those wanting to understand more deeply what the essence of this shift is. I was moving in a more traditional counseling direction when I came upon this book and it changed my course- it spoke to my heart and I felt such a resonance with the writing that I felt as if I had been waiting for this book all my life. Leon is a clear writer and gentle teacher--- and upon reading it I was ignited to move deeper in to this practice in myself and bring that in my assisting of others. I would recommend this book to anyone with an open heart and mind that longs for deeper meaning and healing in their lives. Thank you Leon!!

Leon Vanderpol’s book, A Shift in Being, is a refreshing, accessible roadmap into transformative value of holding ‘presence’ in our lives. Vanderpol guides the reader seamlessly through the stages of deep coaching. Each chapter unfolds naturally taking the reader on an effortless journey into the innermost workings of our Being. Vanderpol’s book is a door to the soul. His writings point the way to our pure essence and resonate with the works of St. Teresa of Avila’s, The Interior Castle, yet, instead of sequestering these moments to the confines of a monastery Vanderpol guides the reader to it’s deep abiding presence within our everyday lives. A Shift in Being demonstrates Vanderpol’s depth of the interior landscape of our true nature. The writings lift the complexity of the journey into the soul and bring it to an accessible platform that transcends labels and doctrines. The work reads like a meditation opening space for pureness and clarity. Vanderpol’s years of experience and wisdom are distilled beautifully in the body of this work. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to tap or connect into their true Self or for coaches wishing to take their coaching practice to the next level.

I am a Deep Transformational Coach and as such, this book has shown me how to shift in necessary and desired ways with my clients. A shift In Being has given me a way to work with clients that is gentle, deep and spiritually connected. More than that, this book has guided me to become the practitioner and person I have wanted to be: More self-accepting, less ego centered, more compassionate and more trusting in a Higher Power that is always available to guide me with clients and in my life. As someone who has always been passionate about self discovery and growth, this book definitely moved me very much closer to wholeness and to opening my heart. It will remain a tool for me to refer to time and time again, I am sure. If you are reading this, I believe you are being led to also read A Shift In Being by Leon Vander pol.

When I picked up the book, I was struggling in my business. I was disillusioned with a lot of the coaching industry, with business coaches promising you’d make money quick if you follow their formula, and I myself had spent a lot of money on these types of programs and coaches, with little to no results. I was seeing it for what it was, and I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to continue coaching because of how much manipulation and distortion I saw in the coaching industry. But when I picked up this book, I remembered why I loved coaching. Leon put words to so many things I intrinsically felt, and I loved how centered, simple, and grounded his concepts were. It reminded me that connection to Spirit, to ourselves, and to each other can be simple, not complicated. And he reminded me of the reason I came into coaching in the first place, to hold space for the transformation of others, and firstly to commit to my own growth and transformation always. This book helped me make some huge shifts in my life and business, and after reading it I signed up for the Deep Coaching Intensive through the Center. If you resonate with this book, you will LOVE the DCI. I highly recommend both this book and the course for anyone looking to hold space for themselves and others through transformation and through the messy experience of being human.

I first ordered this book as material for the Deep Coaching Intensive I participated in. I have since re-referenced, shared, and recommended it to clients, colleagues, and family members. Each chapter has helped me understand and connect with different aspects of transformation, and has encouraged me in my own journey and as a coach. It feels so wonderful to feel seen, understood, and to receive the hope and magic of growth through Leon's words and wisdom.

You don't have to be interested in coaching to benefit from this book. The first part of the book beautifully explains the journey of spiritual awakening and Self transformation. You will be amazed by Leon's words and how much they touch your Soul. When I was going through the "dark night of the soul" and having difficulty processing my experience, this book was my guiding light and saving grace. The second part of the book describes the 9 deep coaching practices, which are reminders for how to live a heart-centered life in connection with your Soul and divine Spirit. After reading this book and doing these practices, you will be transformed and inspired to help others do the same.

This book is thought provoking and asks you to consider yourself from a values based perspective. I think what you get out of this book depends on where you are in your journey and it does draw on philosophy from different cultures/ages but that's what is great. The author didn't need to reinvent these time less concepts of authenticity, empathy, community etc just lent his perspective. Highly recommend this book!

I trained with Leon to become a certified Deep Transformational Coach and this was the required text that was used in the course. Aside from being a master teacher of the Transformational Coaching approach, Leon is also gifted with the ability to write clearly about a process that is soul-deep. And while this is a book that helps one learn how to hold space for others as they embark upon their transformational journey, it first and foremost helps one learn how to hold space and transform for oneself. From exploring models of transformation to exploring one’s own spiritual values and transcendent practices, Leon’s book guides readers through an experience of reconnecting with themselves. I could not recommend this book highly enough.

I knew of Leon’s work through some of my own coaching sessions and, like him, have long felt the need for a deeper coaching experience and relationship. He has beautifully crafted this book as a journey into the world of deep transformational coaching which will benefit all readers, not just coaches. As we journey in our lives in this time, the practice of deep coaching allows us to get in touch with our greater selves, our deeper meaning, our true being that is already whole. Once this journey begins it becomes the destination. For we are already that which we seek. Congratulations Leon - great work and all the best.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was very helpful and awesome to gain a better understanding of my own personal transformation. After reading this book, the light in which I view any movie, book, or story with a “hero journey” has been forever changed. I especially liked exploring the stages of transformation. It allowed me to make more sense of where I am and where I can go. The energy work discussed is beyond my grasp at this time, but it leaves me yearning to further explore the possibilities. If you are a life coach, curious about transformation, or have been through a transformation this book is a must read!

This book opened a pathway to a new way of being and working with my clients. It is a powerful book for coaches, leaders, parents and teachers. Anyone who has a passion for enabling and supporting others will benefit from the teachings in this book. It’s also a great book club selection for small groups. Leon’s expert teachings create space for life altering contemplation. Excellent.

I have really been enjoying this book--it brings so many deep concepts together so clearly and in a usable way. You can use it as a textbook for coaching courses. My students and I are finding it so dense and rich and beneficial. Wonderful, thoughtful work.

Leon writes very well about coaching, what it is and is not and very carefully. His book is respectful and highly educative and supportive. It's a great asset for raising our own conscience, a little more.

I truly didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book. Each chapter was a step by step guide to not only know how to coach but to heal myself and others. I would say this book is not individuals who want to be coaches, this book is for people want to become healers. With everything going on we need healers and this book will provide you the tools to do that.

I haven't met another book that is so simple, but so profound! I've read it a couple of times and every time new levels of understanding open to me. I highly recommend Leon's book for coaches and for everyone who is going through a transformational journey. It has invaluable information. Thank you!

Life changing, completely.

This is an outstanding book for professional coaches and anyone who facilitates transformation in others. Easy to read and understand, I found myself reading every page and pondering the information presented. For example, describing transactional to developmental to transformational coaching allowed me to be more intentional about my work with clients. One of the many questions Leon shares in this book, "Who do I choose to be in this situation?" is one I ask myself daily and it is transforming my life. I have used this question with several clients and it was transformative for them. This is a must have book for any coach who is committed to their own transformation and that of their clients.

"Around the world, across cultures and religions, people are awakening to the potentials and realities of higher consciousness.” This is the first sentence of Leon VanderPol’s book: 'A Shift in Being’, one of the best books published about deep transformational coaching. As an executive coach I support successful leaders in their development. Very often this is ’transactional coaching’ (a transaction between me and my coachee to achieve clearly defined goals). How ever valuable this approach to coaching might be, it still remains on the surface of our human existence. It’s what executives and other senior managers appreciate, it has a clear ROI and the investment can be easily justified. But there is another approach to coaching emerging: ‘Deep Transformational Coaching’. Transformational coaching is focussed on enabling self-actualisation, it dives deep into an individual’s psyche, focussing on who that person is and desires to become. Now, this might sound ’soft’ and 'touchy-feely’ to you, but as a former captain in the military and now working with c-level executives across the globe, I hardly came across a more no-nonsens book than this. A ’Shift in Being’ will enable you to support the growth of your clients, but first and foremost it will enable your own growth. In a delicate balance between theory and practice, Leon did a formidable job teaching us how to support those who are ready, willing and able to make that sacred journey to their true Self. Leon describes the differences between transactional and (deep) transformational coaching, and teaches us what it takes to make that transformational journey ourselves and how we can support our clients during their journey. In a very clear and concise writing style, Leon helps us to reach a new level of consciousness and also makes it very practical by offering a framework for a Deep Coaching session. This book not only helps me in my own transformation (which is a continuous process and, I might add, not a painless one) but also allows me to responsibly support my clients through their journey as well. I highly recommend this book, not only for coaches but to everyone who has asked themselves these questions: Who am I, and, who do I choose to become? The potentials and realities of your higher level of consciousness will become apparent when reading.

Leon Vanderpol offers a beautiful guidebook for an intentional spiritual journey of awareness, understanding, and action. Borrowing from many traditions, models, and resources, he invites the reader into living life as an ongoing and unfolding process rather than as a series of destinations or accomplishments. While this book is indeed a wonderful primer for transformative coaching, A Shift in Being is also a substantial guidebook for living in full awareness. Alan Seale, Director of the Center for Transformational Presence Author of Transformational Presence: How To Make a Difference in a Rapidly Changing World and Create a World That Works

A book, that if studied and applied, has the potential to permanently transform your life and the lives of everyone whose life you touch. A Shift in Being provides one of the most comprehensive explanations of the intricacies of the inner transformational journey, a journey that can feel hard to put into words for those of us undergoing the shift and difficult to explain for those of us supporting others undergoing a shift. As a transformational coach and facilitator, the 9 deep coaching practices have allowed me to show up in my life and for my clients from the most profound place possible. They truly have been invaluable for my practice. The 9 practices have provided me with ground in a groundless process with clear ‘how-to’s’ and best approaches. If you’re a coach, a facilitator, a teacher....really anyone that holds space for others, particularly “others” that are going through a deep inner transformation, don’t hesitate, buy this book! Thank you Leon for your guidance and your contribution to this much needed spectrum of the coaching industry.

As a coach, I have a lot of reference books to inspire and inform me as I encounter different types of people and situations. However, this wonderful book is my top source these days, because it seems to always have what I need. The key dimension that Leon has captured is "depth." While so many books skate on the surface of 'process' "A Shift in Being" aims at truly transformational outcomes, what I feel people deserve. To follow the approach in this book requires real involvement with people, not just helping them get a few insights. It also invites coaches to transform themselves in so many ways, and I love that. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a powerful and transformational approach to coaching.

I have recently completed Leon’s course based upon this book. It is hard to convey the depth of transformation that is possible for both the coachee and for the coach when the understanding and practices shared in this book are embodied. While focusing primarily on the seldom taught process of Deep Coaching there is also a description of the landscape of each level of coaching that helped me to see what a client might be in need of: Transactional, Transformational, Developmental or Deep Coaching. After 20 years as a coach that has taken many courses and read many books, I found this book truly refreshing. I am buying another because my copy is so bent up now!

Leon is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful writer! Reading this book will slow your life down and change your vibe inside out! Only very few books have this impact on me (like power of now). That's really because the truth being shared in this book is truly priceless. And the approach of deep coaching is laid out very clearly across the 9 practices. Each practice is expanded upon in detail and is eye-opening. Frankly, reading this book alone had a lot of transformative impact on me. The exercises are also easy to do but life-changing. And the book is also worthy of re-reads to glean more of the wisdom from the content. A true masterpiece of a book from the light and strength of being of Leon. The practices are something I practice daily and are true treasure in my life. Don't even hesitate to buy it and read it! :)

A Shift in Being is an inspirational guide for living in Truth and coaching from a deep, authentic source of light and love. This book is a gift to all who desire to understand what it means to be a transformational presence and to be of service from a heart-centered way of being. Leon has beautifully expressed a simple yet contemplative approach to transformation with coaching principles and practices to support what’s possible in the transformational journey. The beauty of this resource is in the parallel process of learning—the experience that unfolds as it’s read and practiced. It encouraged me to consistently question, “What’s my truth?” and to listen deeply to my inner wisdom and guidance. It’s a resource I’ll return to again and again as a Deep Coach in support of transformative experiences, as everyone is worthy of living into his or her highest dreams and potential. This book is a YES!

One of the best books you could ever read is “A Shift in Being”. It takes you in a journey to explore the 9 practices that Leon is proposing for transformation. These practices were life changing not only for me but for others whom I coach. If you aren’t even a coach, but willing to experience a spiritual deep connection with yourself and others, Leon’s Book would be the best guide for that. The book by Leon is a masterpiece written with very high and deep connection; with every word in it coming from the heart. Marwa El-Mehelmy, Life Coach

"A Shift in Being" will be a classic reference on deep coaching for years to come. Leon VanderPol has mastered the art of simplicity through words thoughtfully crafted to convey the process of deep transformational coaching. As he explains, the coach must have walked this road of transformation in order to be able to authentically accompany future clients. Therefore, at the same time that the reader is learning about the deep coaching process, by design that process is gently encouraged to unfold step-by-step for the reader him-/herself. "A Shift in Being" is truly a work of subtle genius!

After reading “A Shift in Being” by Leon Vanderpol and participating in the DCI (Deep Coaching Intensive), I can say this text is brilliantly written and is a must for anyone who is on their transformational journey, or is a transformational coach. This book will challenge and build your inner person as well as help you discover your true nature. As you move though the 9 practices you'll begin to better understand who you are and how you may also be of help to others. "My transformation enables others’ transformation." Thank you Leon.

A Shift in Being is an invitation for all of us to awaken our true innermost essence and let it shine in both our lives and work as coaches. Leon truly combines the art of coaching with the art of healing into one crystalized path with 9 magical life and coaching practices that pave the way for personal transformation. Can't recommend it enough.... for those ready to go deep and are on the journey.

This is an extraordinary and powerful book. If you fully engage with the process described in this book, you will experience a life-changing shift or transformation. Written by world-leading transformational coach and trainer Leon Vanderpol, the book serves two purposes: 1. As a training guide for people wishing to learn and master Transformational Coaching 2. As a roadmap and loose structure for anyone wishing to go through a major transformation, shift their sense of Being, see beyond the ego and ultimately discover their true nature. Leon describes Transformational Coaching as the Deep end of coaching (he suggests coaching exists on a spectrum from transactional coaching to development coaching to transformational coaching (and ultimately to Deep Coaching – the deep end of transformational coaching). “In simple terms, transformational coaching is focused on enabling self-actualization. Far more than ‘options-strategy-action’ to attain goals or clarity or to get better at something, transformational coaching dives deep into an individual’s psyche, focusing on who that person is and desires to become. Transformational coaching is, therefore, an ontological approach because it is about ‘being’ rather than ‘doing.’” Leon describes 9 practices which create the foundation for change. These practices allow a natural personal and spiritual evolution to unfold, without the need for agendas or spiritual/religious dogmas. Indeed, true to the spirit of coaching, instead of being taught how to discover deeper levels of being, Leon gives you the tools to make those discoveries for yourself and to be “spirit” lead. The book is beautifully written, and throughout, Leon’s wisdom, compassion, and integrity are very apparent. On the basis of this book, I underwent training with Leon and his “Center for Transformational Coaching and Living” as a Deep Transformational Coach. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Having read thousands of books on coaching, transformation and spiritual development, this is one of my very favourites. Steven Lane Personal Development and Transformational Coach

I am a life coach and have been on a transformational journey for many years. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book both from the perspective of my personal journey and how I work with clients. It is written in a style that is very easy to read and understand, which I am sure in part must be relative to my own journey, knowledge gathering etc. There are moments to stop and reflect, good client examples, exercises and practices. It gave me both great comfort and opportunities to stretch. I am sure I will regularly dip into this for a long time as it has so much quality content

I resonated with a lot of this book when I read it the first time, having experienced one or two profound shifts in being in my life by that point. But when I then completed the coaching course that the book pertains to, I wanted to go back and read it again! It's highly recommended for anyone who wishes to become more adept at coaching at a very deep level, and can honestly say that the impact that this book + the course have had on my life has been remarkable.

A wonderful collection of words that masterfully infuse the ways of coming from spirit. It's what I've been searching for, as a student to the craft of coaching and someone who has lived a spiritual awakening, it hit in me in the right places. Thank you.

Such a beautiful writer, wherein the words reflect Leon’s wise soul. I’ve learnt that Deep Coaching is far more a healing modality than the transactional style of goal setting coaching & so for me, what I wish to do!