LifePlan Coaching Program
Trauma-Informed Coaching That Helps Youth Move Forward
Trauma-informed, relationship-centred support that helps young people strengthen self-awareness, communication, self-regulation and confidence in their future.
We offer:
Individual coaching
For youth involved in the justice system
Individual coaching for youth in detention or diversion, before the courts, on probation, transitioning back into the community or experiencing repeated conflict with the law.
Middle-school coaching
Early support for Grade 7 and 8 students
Individual or group-based coaching designed to strengthen social-emotional awareness, self-regulation, positive relationships and self-confidence.
An established coaching model with demonstrated results
LifePlan Coaching has been developed through two decades of direct work with more than 500 youth referred through probation, youth courts, schools, lawyers and community organizations. More than two-thirds of participants have demonstrated positive progress in areas identified through the coaching process.
Reaching youth through a different kind of relationship
LifePlan Coaching is designed to reach young people who are facing complex barriers, are at increased risk of justice system involvement or who may not engage with, or be well served by more short-term or conventional programs. Many have experienced repeated changes in services and professionals, making trust difficult to establish and lasting change difficult to achieve.
Our intensive, one-to-one model gives coaches the flexibility and time to build a genuine relationship before expecting progress.
Coaches meet youth where they are, remain consistently involved over a longer period and take on a trusted mentoring role—helping them navigate everyday challenges, relationships, decisions and setbacks as they arise.
This continuity allows the work to go deeper than addressing an immediate behaviour or completing a prescribed program.
Through a trauma-informed coaching relationship, youth are supported to examine the beliefs and patterns influencing their choices, recognize their strengths and develop a different sense of what is possible for their lives.
The goal is not simply short-term compliance. It is a meaningful shift in mindset, agency and personal responsibility—creating a foundation for change that can continue long after formal coaching ends.
What PACT Coaching Looks Like
PACT coaching is a flexible, relationship-centred process that responds to the needs, circumstances and readiness of each young person.
01 - Meet
We meet youth where they are—both personally and physically. Coaching can happen in their community, at school, in a custodial setting, outdoors or somewhere they feel comfortable and able to engage.
02 - Connect
We take the time to build trust before expecting progress. Through consistency, patience and genuine interest, the coach becomes a reliable adult and trusted mentor in the young person’s life.
03 - Navigate
Coaches help youth work through real-life challenges as they happen—from relationships, school and justice-system involvement to difficult decisions, setbacks and plans for the future.
04 - Shift
Over time, youth are supported to recognize patterns, question limiting beliefs and practise different responses. These changes build greater agency, accountability and belief in what is possible.
LPC Middle School Group Coaching
Launched in 2022, the PACT LPC group coaching model in middle school works with energetic grade 7 & 8 students in two high-needs Toronto neighbourhoods. Popular among the student participants, this weekly program provides a much needed supportive and empowering container to help younger students nurture positive relationships, strengthen social-emotional awareness including self-regulation, and build self-esteem.
As part of the group coaching lunch sessions, PACT provides lunch and snacks, as coaches lead participants through engaging activities to support positive growth, mindfulness and a more peaceful environment.
Coaches prepared for complex youth work
All PACT coaches are certified, professional coaches and/or are working towards professional certification with the International Coaching Federation. They receive additional preparation relevant to youth work, trauma-informed practice, mental health, professional boundaries and safeguarding.
PACT coaches have all attended and received professional training at accredited institutions, and participate in ongoing, relevant training including trauma-informed practices, Mental Health First Aid for youth, and additional continuing education courses.
Vice Principal, TDSB
PACT LifePlan Coaching has been a game-changer for our students! As a school administrator, it is imperative to have an in-depth understanding of the various needs of our students and communities. PACT offers just that: a safe space where students learn how to appreciate their strengths and work towards being the best version of themselves. Students work as the main stakeholders investing in themselves while learning valuable tools and techniques to support their overall well-being, performance and resiliency.
Thank you to the PACT team for showing up for our students every day. The power of life coaching for high-needs students is invaluable!
Former LPC Client
The PACT program will change your mindset; they give you the blueprint, but it's up to you to run with it.