About Scott
For most of my life, I’ve had trouble fitting in. But over the years, I’ve learned this is a superpower, not a hindrance.
One of my favorite things about growing up as an outsider is that we have the freedom to do things differently. We can experiment with life in ways that others may or may not allow for themselves. And this helps us stumble upon new, incredible things.
Another benefit to being an outsider is that we get more opportunities to sit back and be the observer. These aspects have always given me the ability to notice the world and people’s behaviors, and contemplate why we do the things that we do. What is it that makes us tick? And why do some of us tick differently than others?
As someone who has ticked to the beat of his own clock, sometimes life has worked out really well for me. Other times, the results took me down some wrong paths. But as long as I’ve been willing to learn whatever lesson life has to offer, it helps me grow in ways that make me feel incredibly thankful. And this is what inspires me to help others do the same.
But it wasn’t until my mid-twenties, when an adventurous friend duped me into going to a nudist BBQ, that I discovered the joys and wisdom of non-sexual nudity. What started out as the most terrifying night of my life ended up being the most revolutionary and healing thing I had ever done. After that, I began experimenting by applying the philosophies of nudism and naturism to other areas of my life, helping me evolve in ways that created a more balanced and authentic version of myself.
As a gay man, non-sexual nudity helped me begin the path to truly working on my body image issues, despite the fact that I had spent years using fitness to battle my body dysmorphia to no avail. When I was diagnosed with HIV shortly after, allowing myself to exist in this crisis with a sense of total exposure gave me the space to seize it as an opportunity for immense reflection and personal growth. I went on to be an HIV advocate - serving on boards, becoming a prominent columnist and occasional public speaker. And this also gave me a better ability to cope with a lifelong struggle with ADHD and how to manage the unique versions of depression and anxiety that can come with this disorder.
Over the years, I have been able to adapt and overcome these challenges by not only utilizing philosophies based in nudism and naturism, but also by working alongside other incredible practitioners who became valued mentors. They’ve taught me that some of the most valuable knowledge extends beyond lectures and textbooks by having been in the trenches ourselves.
Whether you are working through some of your challenges, or struggling to achieve goals or growth, my personal background and education have given me the tools to walk alongside others on their journey - assisting them in finding resolution by discovering their authenticity and most balanced selves, with or without clothes.
“I’ll reveal to you now the magic behind Scott’s life coaching: he’s human! I sought out life coaching but in addition I also received a friend who listens and opens his heart so he can not only guide me, but learn along with me.”
BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS
Life coaching is an unregulated industry, which is an exciting opportunity for coaches to create and sustain their practices in new and unique ways. It also means that not all coaches and certifications are created equal. Therefore, backgrounds matter.
After receiving my undergrad in Sociology from MSU, I spent the bulk of my career as a non-clinical social worker for adults living with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Working with these amazing individuals gave me some of the most valuable skills I wouldn’t have otherwise. They taught me how to have incredibly difficult conversations (that could fluctuate between being light hearted or dark and difficult) in order to figure out their particular struggles and the resources they needed.
I learned how to talk about anything and everything with total compassion rather than judgment. Thanks to them (and I genuinely mean it), nothing shocks me.
Because of the ever-changing rules and regulations of such non-profit industries, I left this work to explore other fields. I worked in the tech industry, created and ran a highly successful and acclaimed blog for seven years, wrote a highly rated memoir, and (for my own fun) I dabbled in bartending and burlesque dancing.
While none of this may seem relevant to coaching or wellness, all of these jobs kept leading me back to one thing: my love of helping people, whether it was training a helpdesk team in India, mentoring new writers, helping others pursue their creative visions, or just lending a thoughtful ear. So, when life continues to point arrows in the same direction, it becomes a path worth exploring. And life coaching turned out to be the work that suited both my highest passions and most proficient skillsets.
Certified in Life Coaching by
The Integrative Wellness Academy
Certified in health & Fitness by
The nutrition & fitness Academy
Personal Life
I live in Denver, CO with my partner, Luke (a non-nudist as evidenced by our clothes), and our three-legged Shar Pei rescue named Steuben. Luke and I started our relationship in an incredibly strange way, and recently celebrated 16 years together. He’s a brilliant therapist, which conveniently helps me build more tools, techniques, and exercises for my clients in non-clinical ways. And, as it turned out, Steuben ended up secretly being a cartoon character merely disguised as a dog.
Whenever I have spare time, I love to work out, pursue cheap travel, behave like a foodie, and go hiking when the weather is right (preferably au natural). And, of course, I very much enjoy setting my brain aside to wind down with mindless (but clever) television comedies. It helps recharge my batteries, and so do day spas, beaches, and time with friends.