About

Meet Your Sleep & Life Coach

Pauline Vaughan M.A. (Psych)

Certified Sleep Coach | Trauma-Informed Gestalt Life Coach | Retired Psychotherapist

Finding a good sleep coach or life coach isn’t easy. I would know—because when I was in the throes of insomnia and life’s deepest struggles, I searched. I finally found the coach I needed. And then I became one. Now, I’m here to give you the support I wish I’d had for so long.

My Journey: From Sleepless Nights to Empowered Healing

I wasn’t always a sleep coach. My professional journey began with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and over five years of post-graduate Psychotherapy training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. My work in private practice as a psychotherapist, combined with  training in the Primal Alexander Technique and Certified Gestalt Life Coaching gave me a deep understanding of the mind-body connection.

But even with all these qualifications, I faced a battle of my own: I couldn’t sleep.

In 2008, my world changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fear and anxiety consumed me, and my nights became restless. My doctor prescribed sleeping pills, and I assumed they would help—but instead, I spiraled deeper into chronic insomnia. The fear of not sleeping became more powerful than the act of sleeping itself.

For 13 grueling years, I searched for solutions. I tried everything—sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, prescription medications. Nothing worked. The harder I tried, the more elusive sleep became. Sound familiar?

Then, I learned about hyperarousal, a state where your nervous system is on high alert—preventing both deep sleep and emotional peace. That realization changed everything.

With guidance from Dr. Daniel Erichsen, I discovered how to retrain my brain, release sleep anxiety, and embrace rest naturally. This journey led me to a powerful realization: Insomnia is not a life sentence. Neither is feeling stuck in fear, stress, or uncertainty.

The Connection Between Sleep & Life Coaching

Sleep struggles and life’s deeper challenges—stress, trauma, and major transitions—are intimately connected. Sleep disturbances are often a symptom of something deeper, whether it’s unresolved trauma, anxiety, or a fear of uncertainty.

That’s why my approach integrates both sleep coaching and trauma-informed life coaching, helping you:

  • Reframe your relationship with sleep, stress, and self-trust

  • Understand how past experiences impact your sleep and overall well-being

  • Learn nervous system regulation techniques for both rest and resilience

  • Break free from limiting beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck

  • Embrace personal growth with confidence and clarity

Why Work With Me?

I don’t just teach strategies—I guide you through a deep, lasting transformation that goes beyond sleep.

✔ Certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring the highest ethical standards
✔ 25+ years of experience in psychotherapy, coaching, and personal transformation
✔ Integrative approach combining neuroscience, trauma healing,cognitive and somatic practices
✔ Personal experience—I’ve lived through the struggles, and I  found my way out

Approach

Why Choose The Sleep & Life Coaching School?

  • Science

    Sleeping should be as effortless as breathing. If it’s become a chore, we need to start at the beginning—understanding how sleep works and how stress, trauma, and anxiety impact it. Once you recognize the connection between your brain, nervous system, and circadian rhythms, you’ll see that you haven’t lost your ability to sleep or thrive—you’ve just lost your confidence. Through science and trauma-informed techniques, we can rebuild that.

    START HEALING

  • Biology

    You’re not broken; your body is responding to stress the way it was designed to. I’ll introduce you to the concept of hyperarousal—why your nervous system perceives sleep (or change) as a threat, and how to rewire that response so you can experience both deep rest and a sense of emotional balance.

    START HEALING

  • Clarity

    Your sleep and your waking life are deeply connected. If you’re anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in negative thought patterns, those struggles will manifest in your rest. Likewise, when your sleep improves, your energy, focus, and emotional resilience will transform. With sleep and life coaching, you can break this cycle and step into the life you deserve.

    START TRANSFORMING

  • Freedom

    Break free from the fear of sleeplessness and the weight of self-doubt. You don’t need pills, sleep trackers, or strict rules to rest well. Likewise, you don’t need to feel trapped by past experiences or limiting beliefs to move forward. Through personalized coaching, you’ll develop the mindset, habits, and confidence to reclaim both your nights and your days.

    START LIVING

  • Empathy

    I invite you to heal from insomnia and life’s challenges in a judgment-free space, with a coach who truly understands your journey—because I’ve been there myself. Your struggles are valid, and your healing is possible. Let’s begin this journey together.

    BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to live in fear of another sleepless night. You don’t have to feel trapped in stress, uncertainty, or past trauma. Healing is possible—and I’m here to guide you.