About Tricia Breckenridge, OT/L, MEd

Meet Tricia Breckenridge, OT/L, MEd

Wellness coaching is the culmination of a 30-year career in health care and education, my interests, and my own personal development. Occupational therapy focuses on meaningful activity. As a school counselor, I helped high school students find their “next best steps.” In both careers, I found a knack for deeply listening for areas where people were stuck then assisting them to find their own solutions. Every person is unique in terms of values, knowledge, abilities, and life situations. I believe that true health needs to incorporate the mind, body, and spirit. Wellness coaching is the perfect combination of my interest in science-based holistic health solutions and my interpersonal skills for guiding people to create lasting change.

My Story

I became a healthcare clinician to help people recover from illness. When I found myself with chest pain, extreme mental and physical fatigue, and shortness of breath, I turned to our local traditional healthcare system. After a year of every specialized provider and test, there were no answers. I was finally told the culprit was anxiety and perimenopause. It was only after turning to a naturopath who listened deeply to my whole experience and history that my health was restored. I was back to the activities I loved within six months. Through my own health journey, I found my purpose: to empower people to look beyond the traditional symptom-focused, reactive medical model to optimize their own health through small daily habit changes.

What makes me thrive

Connection with my church, family, and amazing friends; spending time in nature with my husband and Labrador retriever; meaningful work; delicious healthy meals; a good book.

Personal and Professional Core Values

Curiosity, Community, Compassion, Empowerment, Well-being as the interdependence of Mind/Body/Spirit

Why wellness coaching?

The plethora of information available to people in the mainstream is often confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes you need someone to break all that information down to personal, actionable steps with encouragement and accountability. My greatest joy is empowering people through information, tools, and resources to help open-minded people heal not only their amazing bodies but also their hearts and minds and souls.

I define wellness coaching as “a partnership to discover pathways toward an individual’s own best self.” It begins with awareness- of values, priorities, and strengths, and motivations. Next, coaches facilitate small, simple, achievable actions leading to a lifestyle of consistent, healthy behaviors. Ultimately, the client is able to develop an identity of a healthy/wholehearted person.

Why three to thrive?

In my pursuit of self-care and holistic health, I noticed a theme of nurturing the mind, body as well as spirit. For example, did you know that…

• Your gut microbiome directly influences several physiological functions including immunity, brain function, cravings, and even your mood

• People with a spiritual practice are found to be generally happier

• Time in sunlight and nature boosts your mood and physical health

• Consistent movement is one of the most significant ways to prevent symptoms of dementia

• People who exhibit longevity in all of the Blue Zones, live a lifestyle filled with movement, community, whole natural foods and a sense of purpose.

A snapshot of my years of formal education and training:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (1994)
• Certificate in Gerontology (1999)
• Master’s of Education in School Counseling (2006)
• Certificate in Wellness Coaching (2013)
• Certificate in Nutrition Coaching (2016)
• Occupational Therapy NH Licensed (requires ongoing training and continuing education courses)