Ilene Collins

As a young woman, I was always fascinated by psychology, and the “why” of how we humans act and react. My mother was bipolar and suffered often in silence, as so many did in those days. Sadly, we lost my mom to suicide. And that loss was the beginning of my own journey as a certified life and business coach.

After a 32 year career as CEO of a real estate company in Chicago, I now work with companies who want to make changes and adjustments to create an atmosphere where people work to their potential and reach goals. This helps both with growth and employee retention. I also enjoy working with individuals who want to identify "what is missing" and how to get "it" back in their lives. Some people call it their "next chapter".

A life coach is not a therapist. We do not spend time working on your past and why you feel the way you do.

A life coach is a goal-oriented guide to help you get what you want out of life. This structure is popular with so many people because the results are tangible and the process is uplifting because progress is fairly constant. With iPEC training under my belt and lots of experience with various coaching tools, I am ready to help you find happiness.

In a similar vein, corporate coaching has proven integral to the success of people who may be unsure, unhappy, or just ready to take the next step. As a CEO of the largest apartment rental agency in Chicago, I am very comfortable with guiding you toward your corporate goals- whatever they may be.

As a trained coach in cognitive behavioral coaching with Lyra Healthcare, I am proud to have been a featured coach with success helping people reach desired changes in many different fields, levels of leadership, and relationships.

As a dating and relationship coach with Smartdating Academy, I have added layers of skill working with attachment, relationship, and dating issues.

I am excited that you have started investigating the benefits of coaching. I want you to feel free to contact me with any questions about my practice specifically or coaching in general. There is no pressure. If you do decide to work with me, you will find that we can find a schedule that works for you whether it’s a half hour phone call every week, or in person once every 3 weeks. The key is finding what works for you.

Specializing in:

Mental Health
Dating & Relationship
Parenting stress & behavioral issues
Individual
Launching and getting unstuck
Career

Sessions can take place in person (Chicago-based) or remotely (video chat, phone call). I have successful experience with mediated and in-person coaching, and I'm confident we can make this work regardless of location. I am willing to work with you to figure out the medium best-suited for our sessions. Please reach out to me so we can begin planning the best way to communicate!

Last week I told you something I've never said out loud before and didn't mean to say- it came out to emphasize a point. And I had this moment of absolute panic and shame. You reacted in a way that made me feel completely safe. It was like this massive weight came off me that I'd been unaware I was carrying. And about 24 hrs later I realized I was seeing and doing everything from a new perspective- all these possibilities as to what I can do and who I can be. I’m so thankful I don’t even know how to express it.
~LS

Mental health was my biggest bane in the past 2 years, crippling me from doing anything. I think I am almost out of the woods and enjoy life again. Thank you for your help.
~TH

Sometimes decent parenting means knowing when to say, "I can't do it all and do a good job" we hired Ilene to work with Aldric on his college search and just getting his life on track and where he wants it to be, because life for all of us can be very over-whelming, and when we get over-whelmed less gets done.
He absolutely loves working with her and great things have been happening for him since they started. (Her kids have both been through college so she's 'in the know'.) It's going so well for him that last night I had her come to my business too, and we're coming up with some daily schedules and routines, trouble-shooting....I know she's getting pretty booked up with some ongoing coporate coaching, but she's great with teens, or anyone for that matter who is just frustrated and looking to make progress in their life or business. I'm so excited to nail down some key changes in my life. I love Ilene!
~Larisa Olson

Ilene is an extremely talented coach. Originally, we hired Ilene as an acting/audition coach, but she turned out to be so much more than that. Not only did she skillfully prepare my daughter for upcoming school and professional auditions, but she also provided her with preparation skills and confidence-building techniques that have helped her both on and off-stage.
Ilene has a unique ability to relate to her clients and to help them recognize the obstacles that are blocking their success and develop strategies to overcome them. My daughter will definitely continue to work with Ilene. I just can’t imagine getting results like this from any other coach!
~Jan Liscio

Ilene has the most refreshing and authentic way of reminding me of my strengths, and shifting me out of fear and into action. She’s an incredible listener and ally. You won’t find a better coach.
~Julie Duffy

Ilene helped me dig deep and find my true voice with my upcoming TED talk. She was a wonderful coach, working with me not only on the content of the talk but also to refine the delivery for the greatest impact. My storytelling has really been enhanced by Ilene's relentless pursuit to bolster my confidence. She's a great listener and helps me tap into an endless supply of useful ideas.
~Freddie Feldman

Ilene is simply one of the most genuine, compassionate people I have ever known. She listens in a way that leaves one feeling fully heard and she always inspires positive change. And no small thing, she always makes me laugh.
~Dr. John Duffy

Ilene not only is a great listener but she has wonderful and effective ideas to help you actually make changes. She helps you find a path that is right for you. She is warm but firm... she is like that angel on our shoulders, pushing us in the right direction. I credit her for so many great accomplishments my husband and I have made over the last 6 months. 😘
~Jill Feldman

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