Frequently Asked Questions

about…

“Desiderata is Latin for  “things desired“.  It is also the name of a 1927 prose poem by Max Ehrmann, an American writer. You can see the poem here.

Desiderata Consulting is a Concierge Coaching and Consulting Service that provides transformative live-in coaching experiences. I work with high-achieving professionals who want real change. I actually live with you, helping you implement changes across all dimensions of wellbeing.

Sheli Dodson (that’s me- the woman behind the keyboard!) is the founder and owner of Desiderata Consulting. My background spans financial services, hospitality, and business development. I’m also trained in Splankna, which falls under Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and serves as one of my key tools for helping clients address emotional barriers. I bring a combination of tough love and practical wisdom to help you create lasting transformation.

I believe the gap isn’t in knowing what to do – it’s in actually doing it. Traditional coaching leaves you alone during crucial moments when old patterns take over. I’m with you to help support and guide you into new patterns of behavior and responses in real-time- during the moments when support is actually needed. 

My approach comes from real-world experience and specialized training. I’ve seen what creates lasting change versus temporary motivation. I bring practical tools that work in real life, not just theory.

The introductory SPARK program is modestly priced. Immersive Coaching Experiences require a significant investment that reflects the intensive, personalized nature of working together. We’ll discuss specific pricing during your consultation to make sure we’re aligned on expectations.

When I say Immersive Coaching Experience, that’s exactly what you get. This is a LIVE-IN support program.
I’m not on Zoom or FaceTime talking to you about what you’re dealing with; I’m right there- BY YOUR SIDE, walking with you through the challenges and changes, providing encouragement and guidance to you as you discover, cultivate, and embrace living an authentic life.

Yes. SPARK is my six-week virtual program. It includes many elements of the ICE approach without having me move in. It’s a good starting point if you’re not ready for the full immersive experience.

Yes, though international engagements involve additional travel considerations. Contact me to discuss the specifics for your location.

I believe real transformation happens when we address all dimensions of wellbeing simultaneously. My approach combines tough love with practical wisdom, focusing on implementation rather than just knowledge. I integrate Splankna for stress relief and emotional wellbeing within my coaching framework, providing a spiritually-centered option for those who resonate with that approach.

My ideal clients are high-achievers who are tired of knowing what to do but struggling to actually do it. They’re ready for significant change and willing to be challenged while being supported.

We address six key dimensions: physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, spiritual alignment, relationships, and your environment. These work together rather than in isolation.

Many clients experience noticeable shifts within the first few days, but lasting transformation develops over time. The immersive approach accelerates change by providing support during crucial implementation moments.

Start with a 30-minute free meet & greet or book a 90-minute paid consultation. The consultation is required before booking any ICE program and helps determine if we’re the right fit.

I can’t guarantee specific outcomes since results depend on many factors. What I do guarantee is my full commitment to your transformation. I show up 100% and provide the tools, support, and accountability to create lasting change.

Cancellations more than 30 days before your program start date receive a full refund minus the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. Full details are in your service agreement.

Absolutely. I maintain clear professional boundaries, complete confidentiality, and a commitment to your wellbeing. Before beginning work together, we’ll sign comprehensive service and confidentiality agreements that outline these standards.

Live-in life Coaching is when I actually live with you during the duration of your Immersive Coaching Experience. This allows me to see patterns in real-time and provide support when it matters most – not just during scheduled sessions.

I offer three options: SHIFT (2 weeks), EVOLVE (4 weeks), and THRIVE (6 weeks). You choose based on where you are in your journey and how deep you want to go.

No. The whole point is implementing changes in your real life. You’ll maintain your work and important commitments. We create change within your actual lifestyle, not within the bubble of a retreat bubble.

You’ll have your private space and personal time. Before we start, we’ll establish clear boundaries including private areas and times. I’m there to support, not to hover.

We set clear boundaries before starting. This includes private spaces, coaching times, and personal time for both of us. Everything is documented in our agreement upfront.

You’ll need to provide a private bedroom for me with access to a bathroom. We’ll discuss any dietary considerations, workspace needs, and specific preparations before the program begins.

Yes, the ICE program happens in your real environment, which includes family. We’ll discuss how to manage this during the consultation to ensure effective boundaries when needed.

We’ll cover all dietary considerations before starting. Since physical wellbeing is part of what we’ll work on, your specific needs become part of your customized program.

Before committing to work together, we have a comprehensive consultation to ensure compatibility. If unexpected conflicts arise, we have protocols to address them professionally.

SHIFT breaks initial patterns and establishes foundations for change. EVOLVE creates deeper integration and lasting habits. THRIVE provides comprehensive transformation across all areas of your life. Each builds on the previous level.

We start with a thorough assessment before I move in. Then we adjust in real-time based on what we actually see happening in your daily life. The program evolves with you.

Before I leave, we create systems to maintain your progress. The goal is sustainable change, not dependency. Follow-up options are available if you want continued support.

I can travel to most locations, though travel expenses beyond a certain radius will be additional. We can discuss the specifics during your consultation.

Therapy typically focuses on processing past events and understanding why you do what you do. Traditional coaching provides accountability during scheduled sessions. Live-in coaching adds real-time implementation support in your actual environment, addressing patterns as they happen.

Our service agreement covers early termination policies. Generally, there are no refunds for early termination, but each situation is evaluated individually. Clear communication about any concerns is encouraged throughout.

Splankna is a Christian-centered approach that falls under Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). It incorporates elements of energy psychology and mind/body intervention, integrating prayer and biblical principles like confession, forgiveness, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I use it for stress relief, personal growth, and as part of my life coaching practice.

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Splankna is considered a complementary approach rather than a scientifically validated therapy. It incorporates facets of various modalities including TFT, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and NET as well as mind/body interventions. As with other CAM approaches, it doesn’t claim to “cure” any diagnosable illnesses.

Splankna is rooted in Christian principles, but clients don’t need to share these beliefs to experience benefits. The most important factor is openness to the process.

We start by identifying an emotional issue to address, followed by muscle testing to identify subconscious blocks. We then use specific protocols to release emotional energy and replace negative beliefs with positive truths.

This varies widely based on individual needs. Some issues can be addressed in a single session, while deeper patterns may require multiple sessions. During your ICE program, we’ll incorporate Splankna as needed.

Splankna is generally considered safe for most people. However, it’s not recommended as a primary treatment for severe mental health conditions. I always conduct thorough screenings and maintain appropriate referral relationships.

Splankna can be used in various contexts including emotional wellbeing, stress management, wellness, life coaching, and spiritual growth. Following FTC guidelines, I make no claims that Splankna will heal or change you, but many clients find it helpful for addressing emotional barriers.

The key difference is Splankna’s Christian-centered foundation, with an emphasis on prayer and biblical principles of confession, repentance, and forgiveness. It requires trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance while incorporating elements from other mind/body interventions in a spiritually integrated way.

No. One of the benefits of Splankna is that you don’t need to relive or extensively discuss traumatic experiences. The protocol works with the energy patterns associated with those experiences.

Come with an open mind and heart. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement during muscle testing. You don’t need any special preparation beyond being well-hydrated.

Some people experience temporary fatigue, emotional release, or heightened awareness of feelings after sessions. These responses typically resolve quickly and are part of the processing experience.

Splankna bridges both worlds. It’s a Christian-centered approach that incorporates prayer and biblical principles while using techniques similar to other energy psychology approaches. As a CAM modality, it’s used for stress relief, personal growth, and within the context of life coaching rather than as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.

Splankna techniques are taught through certified training programs available through the Splankna Institute. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to visit their  official website.

Splankna is one of several tools I use during the ICE program. I integrate it as a complementary approach for stress relief, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual growth where appropriate. Like other aspects of my coaching, it’s customized to your specific needs and preferences.

Skepticism is completely normal and doesn’t prevent the process from working. I invite clients to approach it with an open mind but without pressure. You always have full choice about which techniques we use during your program.