Why

Philosophy

Approach

Who

Testimonials

Background

FAQ

Have you ever tried driving with the parking brake on?

Even though you move forward, there’s a ton of resistance. Which makes sense, the brake is there to keep you from rolling forward. It’s there to keep you safe. But if we want to move forward in life toward our dreams and potential, we can’t have the brake on at all times. Many of us do.

As a child, you likely experienced hurt and weren’t properly cared for afterward by a caregiver or trusted adult. As a result, your psyche created a part with a protective measure to keep you safe — the parking brake. 

The part may keep you stuck in a job or relationship you intuitively know doesn’t serve you. Or it keeps you from asking for help when the weight of the world is on your shoulders. These are only a couple of examples — in any case, you’re not being fully you.

How would moving through life be without the parking brake? Can you imagine how much more joy and ease you would experience?

If this or anything else on the page resonates with you, book a free 60 minute intro call and we'll go through a session together. Words only do so much, the rest is about experiencing it for yourself.

Book an Intro Call

Book an Intro Call

Why

Why

Reflecting on how life has unfolded, it's clear I was destined to start coaching. Throughout my life, I've naturally gravitated toward working with people 1:1. I coached teammates in sports, trained friends in the gym, and mentored younger students. The common thread? I was guiding them toward an empowered "version" of themselves they didn't know or believe existed. I didn't realize it then, but I was showing up as the person I needed in my life but didn't have.

When I’m present with someone as a “coach”, I serve as a mirror for their innate wholeness. Through my own experience, I recognize how deeply vulnerable it is to trust someone to hold you in your truth — there's no greater honor or gift to me than this.

This is the work that brings me alive — nothing else has brought me as much joy and fulfillment. It's an expression of my soul purpose in life.

Philosophy

"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be."

"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be."

Life isn't a process of self-improvement, it's one of self-unfoldment. Just as the oak tree is within the acorn, within you is the potential to evolve into your unique expression of truth, beauty, and goodness.

Each moment along the way you are whole and complete as you are. Parents or society may have convinced you you're broken, but you're not. One of those broken glass stickers has been stuck over your soul — life is the journey of peeling it off.

By unconditionally being with your fear and hurt, the layers start to peel back — revealing more of what you already are.

Nothing is missing. Everything you need is present for you to unfold into your potential, your aliveness. I'm here to walk the path with you, witnessing you with love and awe, just as we'd witness a sunset.

Approach

"The truth is that you already are what you are seeking."

"The truth is that you already are what you are seeking."

In essence, I'm here to unconditionally be with you in your experience. With loving presence, we'll co-create a safe space for whatever wants to emerge. Frustration, joy, anger, bliss — all are deeply welcome.

We'll start by exploring any challenges, dreams, or yearnings you have to establish a general direction to walk toward. Once on the path, we'll meet whatever difficulties arise with loving attunement.

No one session is ever the same. How we practice together will vary based on what's most serving of you in the moment. It could consist of:

  • Offering questions and reflections to deepen into the essence of an issue

  • Doing unfolding work to access deeper states of resourcefulness

  • Sharing guidance or insight from my past experiences

  • Holding space for an emotionally difficult situation

  • Experimenting with new ways of being

  • Roleplaying a situation (psychodrama)

Regardless, we trust whatever happens in session is what's meant to unfold.

The question of "What is my purpose?" is important and one I don't see emphasized often enough in coaching. It's why we're here — why your paths and mine have crossed. As you unfold into deeper contact with truth, purpose starts to shift into the foreground. It's a living question that, like a Zen koan, will shape our lives.

In addition to our in-session work, I'll offer specific practices to facilitate deeper embodiment of your essential qualities. As a foundation, we'll engage in some form of self-expression or engagement with art. This is especially important as you unfold into more embodied truth. Certain things will call to you for "no reason" — follow them! They'll lead you to You better than I or anyone else can.

Who

"The great oak once was an acorn too."

"The great oak once was an acorn too."

Vibes are an important consideration in any relationship. I may not be the coach for you and that's okay! I want to work with you to find someone who is.

There isn't a particular archetype of person I work with. As long as you're committed to your own self-discovery and freedom, I'd love to walk the path with you.

You may be:

  • Wanting to make a career transition, but feel stuck or lost

  • Ambitious and "successful" but unfulfilled — something feels off

  • Starting to question the scripts and stories you've grown up with

  • Yearning for deeper clarity on who you are, and how you got here

  • Seeking fuller expression (creatively) and working through blockages

  • Sensing there's "more to life" but unsure of what awaits or how to get there

Vibes are an important consideration in any relationship. I may not be the coach for you, and that's okay! I'll work with you to find someone who is.

There isn't any particular archetype of person I work with. So long as you're committed to your own self-discovery and freedom, we can make it happen.

You may be:

  • Starting to question the scripts and stories you've grown up with

  • Ambitious and "successful" but unfulfilled — something feels off

  • Yearning for deeper clarity on who you are, and how you got here

  • Seeking fuller expression (creatively) and working through blockages

  • Sensing there's "more to life" but are unsure of what awaits or how to get there

Testimonials

Parth

Dennis has helped me realize that gentle attention to myself, including all of the parts that I reject, is the way to inner harmony and connection with others. He’s helped me find hope. Working with Dennis has helped me reconnect with my scared parts, my ashamed parts, my inner critics and my inner victims. A few weeks ago, for instance, when I was in an extended conflict with my partner, Dennis helped me realize how much I actually craved connection with her, and how much my heart wanted to say to her. There were scared parts of myself that I needed to take care of, but beginning from my desire for connection helped place all of those in context and led to a more vulnerable conversation with my partner. I learned how powerful it is to connect with and speak from my heart, without judgment for all of the other self-protective instincts I have. This has immediately led to significant changes in how my partner and I are communicating, sharing space, and planning for the future. I am committed to caring for myself and pursuing inner work through courses and workshops, but coaching with Dennis probably accelerated those insights by months or even years.

Expand

Parth

Dennis has helped me realize that gentle attention to myself, including all of the parts that I reject, is the way to inner harmony and connection with others. He’s helped me find hope. Working with Dennis has helped me reconnect with my scared parts, my ashamed parts, my inner critics and my inner victims. A few weeks ago, for instance, when I was in an extended conflict with my partner, Dennis helped me realize how much I actually craved connection with her, and how much my heart wanted to say to her. There were scared parts of myself that I needed to take care of, but beginning from my desire for connection helped place all of those in context and led to a more vulnerable conversation with my partner. I learned how powerful it is to connect with and speak from my heart, without judgment for all of the other self-protective instincts I have. This has immediately led to significant changes in how my partner and I are communicating, sharing space, and planning for the future. I am committed to caring for myself and pursuing inner work through courses and workshops, but coaching with Dennis probably accelerated those insights by months or even years.

Expand

Parth

Dennis has helped me realize that gentle attention to myself, including all of the parts that I reject, is the way to inner harmony and connection with others. He’s helped me find hope. Working with Dennis has helped me reconnect with my scared parts, my ashamed parts, my inner critics and my inner victims. A few weeks ago, for instance, when I was in an extended conflict with my partner, Dennis helped me realize how much I actually craved connection with her, and how much my heart wanted to say to her. There were scared parts of myself that I needed to take care of, but beginning from my desire for connection helped place all of those in context and led to a more vulnerable conversation with my partner. I learned how powerful it is to connect with and speak from my heart, without judgment for all of the other self-protective instincts I have. This has immediately led to significant changes in how my partner and I are communicating, sharing space, and planning for the future. I am committed to caring for myself and pursuing inner work through courses and workshops, but coaching with Dennis probably accelerated those insights by months or even years.

Expand

Sara

I first met Dennis in a roommate-in-law situation; he lived with my boyfriend. Within 3 hours of knowing him, I was telling him about how my sister—with whom I was actively working to rebuild a relationship—had made a snide comment that made me mentally pull away. “I just feel like if I told her the truth, it would ruin the relationship we’re building,” I said. “Hmm,” Dennis said. It was the most nonjudgmental “hmm” I’d ever heard. “Can I offer something?” That’s Dennis. He always asks for permission before he nudges you down a restorative emotional path. “What relationship are you building if you can’t tell her the truth?” he asked. I called my sister the next day and we talked. She’d had no idea the comment she made hurt me, and explained herself in such a way that led to us having a vulnerable, relationship-strengthening conversation. This was just the first of many mind-shifting conversations I had with Dennis. During an Aletheia session, he led me on a hypnotic inner journey in which I confronted my anger at a co-worker. In another, I unpacked my loneliness after moving to New York. Dennis is an absolute gift to the world as a human being, and anyone who is lucky enough to encounter him will emerge from the engagement a little more spiritually attuned to their deeper self. I feel such excitement on behalf of those who are about to be coached by Dennis. I would say “buckle up,” but that’s not really the appropriate metaphor. More appropriate would probably be: unclench that vice around your mind. Things are about to get so beautiful.

Expand

Sara

I first met Dennis in a roommate-in-law situation; he lived with my boyfriend. Within 3 hours of knowing him, I was telling him about how my sister—with whom I was actively working to rebuild a relationship—had made a snide comment that made me mentally pull away. “I just feel like if I told her the truth, it would ruin the relationship we’re building,” I said. “Hmm,” Dennis said. It was the most nonjudgmental “hmm” I’d ever heard. “Can I offer something?” That’s Dennis. He always asks for permission before he nudges you down a restorative emotional path. “What relationship are you building if you can’t tell her the truth?” he asked. I called my sister the next day and we talked. She’d had no idea the comment she made hurt me, and explained herself in such a way that led to us having a vulnerable, relationship-strengthening conversation. This was just the first of many mind-shifting conversations I had with Dennis. During an Aletheia session, he led me on a hypnotic inner journey in which I confronted my anger at a co-worker. In another, I unpacked my loneliness after moving to New York. Dennis is an absolute gift to the world as a human being, and anyone who is lucky enough to encounter him will emerge from the engagement a little more spiritually attuned to their deeper self. I feel such excitement on behalf of those who are about to be coached by Dennis. I would say “buckle up,” but that’s not really the appropriate metaphor. More appropriate would probably be: unclench that vice around your mind. Things are about to get so beautiful.

Expand

Sara

I first met Dennis in a roommate-in-law situation; he lived with my boyfriend. Within 3 hours of knowing him, I was telling him about how my sister—with whom I was actively working to rebuild a relationship—had made a snide comment that made me mentally pull away. “I just feel like if I told her the truth, it would ruin the relationship we’re building,” I said. “Hmm,” Dennis said. It was the most nonjudgmental “hmm” I’d ever heard. “Can I offer something?” That’s Dennis. He always asks for permission before he nudges you down a restorative emotional path. “What relationship are you building if you can’t tell her the truth?” he asked. I called my sister the next day and we talked. She’d had no idea the comment she made hurt me, and explained herself in such a way that led to us having a vulnerable, relationship-strengthening conversation. This was just the first of many mind-shifting conversations I had with Dennis. During an Aletheia session, he led me on a hypnotic inner journey in which I confronted my anger at a co-worker. In another, I unpacked my loneliness after moving to New York. Dennis is an absolute gift to the world as a human being, and anyone who is lucky enough to encounter him will emerge from the engagement a little more spiritually attuned to their deeper self. I feel such excitement on behalf of those who are about to be coached by Dennis. I would say “buckle up,” but that’s not really the appropriate metaphor. More appropriate would probably be: unclench that vice around your mind. Things are about to get so beautiful.

Expand

Dillon

I did an Aletheia session with Dennis and it was absolutely phenomenal. I went into it not knowing what to expect and thinking I didn't have anything I needed to work through, but it ended up being a very emotional experience. I was brought to tears a few times. During the session, we got into contact with some judgmental parts who were carrying heavy burdens, particularly around being productive. One by one, Dennis guided me through a conversation with these parts as I got to know them from a place of presence. By the end of the session, there was more spaciousness and a lightness that wasn't there before.

Expand

Dillon

I did an Aletheia session with Dennis and it was absolutely phenomenal. I went into it not knowing what to expect and thinking I didn't have anything I needed to work through, but it ended up being a very emotional experience. I was brought to tears a few times. During the session, we got into contact with some judgmental parts who were carrying heavy burdens, particularly around being productive. One by one, Dennis guided me through a conversation with these parts as I got to know them from a place of presence. By the end of the session, there was more spaciousness and a lightness that wasn't there before.

Expand

Dillon

I did an Aletheia session with Dennis and it was absolutely phenomenal. I went into it not knowing what to expect and thinking I didn't have anything I needed to work through, but it ended up being a very emotional experience. I was brought to tears a few times. During the session, we got into contact with some judgmental parts who were carrying heavy burdens, particularly around being productive. One by one, Dennis guided me through a conversation with these parts as I got to know them from a place of presence. By the end of the session, there was more spaciousness and a lightness that wasn't there before.

Expand

Aidan

Going into the coaching session with Dennis I was both excited and nervous. Excited in being able to talk about an area of my life I was holding a lot of feelings about: relationships. But also nervous because I hadn’t opened myself in a coaching session before and Dennis knew I was quite good at getting through layers. Being in it my nervousness was erased. Dennis was incredible at holding space, making me feel safe and heard throughout. I realized from the session three parts of mine which had come up from dating. Glockta who is cynical about dating and just wants to get it over with. "She’s gonna reject me, or I’m going to reject her, might as well just do it." Dalinar, a part of me which wants to dawn knight's armor and not feel too much. Finally, Marcus a part of me who wants to grow with someone else, cheerful about relationships and hopeful something might happen. The bulk of the conversation was about Marcus and how I can integrate him with my other parts. After I felt light, heard, and very embodied. I was ready to go on dating knowing I would continue trying to be open to these parts as I went.

Expand

Aidan

Going into the coaching session with Dennis I was both excited and nervous. Excited in being able to talk about an area of my life I was holding a lot of feelings about: relationships. But also nervous because I hadn’t opened myself in a coaching session before and Dennis knew I was quite good at getting through layers. Being in it my nervousness was erased. Dennis was incredible at holding space, making me feel safe and heard throughout. I realized from the session three parts of mine which had come up from dating. Glockta who is cynical about dating and just wants to get it over with. "She’s gonna reject me, or I’m going to reject her, might as well just do it." Dalinar, a part of me which wants to dawn knight's armor and not feel too much. Finally, Marcus a part of me who wants to grow with someone else, cheerful about relationships and hopeful something might happen. The bulk of the conversation was about Marcus and how I can integrate him with my other parts. After I felt light, heard, and very embodied. I was ready to go on dating knowing I would continue trying to be open to these parts as I went.

Expand

Aidan

Going into the coaching session with Dennis I was both excited and nervous. Excited in being able to talk about an area of my life I was holding a lot of feelings about: relationships. But also nervous because I hadn’t opened myself in a coaching session before and Dennis knew I was quite good at getting through layers. Being in it my nervousness was erased. Dennis was incredible at holding space, making me feel safe and heard throughout. I realized from the session three parts of mine which had come up from dating. Glockta who is cynical about dating and just wants to get it over with. "She’s gonna reject me, or I’m going to reject her, might as well just do it." Dalinar, a part of me which wants to dawn knight's armor and not feel too much. Finally, Marcus a part of me who wants to grow with someone else, cheerful about relationships and hopeful something might happen. The bulk of the conversation was about Marcus and how I can integrate him with my other parts. After I felt light, heard, and very embodied. I was ready to go on dating knowing I would continue trying to be open to these parts as I went.

Expand

Mymy

Dennis’s approach was a great learning curve for someone with little therapy/coaching experience like me to get acquainted. He walked me through the process he thought would work best for me with gentleness and a sense of warmth. It freed me from many reservations and doubts I had about coaching or what it could do for me and opened up new perspectives on holding space for my own emotions. The session I had with Dennis was very helpful and deeply touching.

Expand

Mymy

Dennis’s approach was a great learning curve for someone with little therapy/coaching experience like me to get acquainted. He walked me through the process he thought would work best for me with gentleness and a sense of warmth. It freed me from many reservations and doubts I had about coaching or what it could do for me and opened up new perspectives on holding space for my own emotions. The session I had with Dennis was very helpful and deeply touching.

Expand

Mymy

Dennis’s approach was a great learning curve for someone with little therapy/coaching experience like me to get acquainted. He walked me through the process he thought would work best for me with gentleness and a sense of warmth. It freed me from many reservations and doubts I had about coaching or what it could do for me and opened up new perspectives on holding space for my own emotions. The session I had with Dennis was very helpful and deeply touching.

Expand

Mel

My session with Dennis was deeply soulful and illuminating. His love for coaching and his tenderness and care is obvious and shines through with such clarity. He was incredibly attuned to every step of our process, and went beyond technique and framework to bring his own wonder and curiosity. I left our meeting with a grounded excitement that felt wonderful. 🥰❤️‍🔥

Expand

Mel

My session with Dennis was deeply soulful and illuminating. His love for coaching and his tenderness and care is obvious and shines through with such clarity. He was incredibly attuned to every step of our process, and went beyond technique and framework to bring his own wonder and curiosity. I left our meeting with a grounded excitement that felt wonderful. 🥰❤️‍🔥

Expand

Mel

My session with Dennis was deeply soulful and illuminating. His love for coaching and his tenderness and care is obvious and shines through with such clarity. He was incredibly attuned to every step of our process, and went beyond technique and framework to bring his own wonder and curiosity. I left our meeting with a grounded excitement that felt wonderful. 🥰❤️‍🔥

Expand

Background

"Who am I?'

As a coach, I'm undergoing training with:

Aletheia

New Ventures West

Purpose Guides Institute

I've also done adjacent work with:

Hoffman Institute

Art of Accomplishment

Center for Transformational Coaching

Center for Transformational
Coaching

Some lived experiences I draw from:

  • Solo Traveler

  • Creator

  • Former Powerlifter

  • Investment Banking / Strategic Finance

  • Second Generation Chinese American

FAQ

🤝🏻 How It Works

Our practice will consist of:

•Initial 75-minute intake session

•Biweekly 60-minute sessions

•Full text and email support

•Post-session notes (as needed)

•Practices to deepen into what we're exploring

•A dedicated Notion page for our work together

🧀 Pricing

I operate on a monthly retainer — this covers our coaching sessions and time spent on prep, follow-up, and everything in-between. I offer a sliding scale of $300-$600 per month. After our initial conversation, I encourage you to tune into a point that feels good for you as a way to honor our commitment.

I don't ask for any contracts or upfront payments, only an initial three month energetic commitment to build the foundation of our relationship.

🤝🏻 How It Works

Our practice will consist of:

•Initial 75-minute intake session

•Biweekly 60-minute sessions

•Full text and email support

•Post-session notes (as needed)

•Practices to deepen into what we're exploring

•A dedicated Notion page for our work together

🧀 Pricing

I operate on a monthly retainer — this covers our coaching sessions and time spent on prep, follow-up, and everything in-between. I offer a sliding scale of $300-$600 per month. After our initial conversation, I encourage you to tune into a point that feels good for you as a way to honor our commitment.

I don't ask for any contracts or upfront payments, only an initial three month energetic commitment to build the foundation of our relationship.

🤝🏻 How It Works

Our practice will consist of:

•Initial 75-minute intake session

•Biweekly 60-minute sessions

•Full text and email support

•Post-session notes (as needed)

•Practices to deepen into what we're exploring

•A dedicated Notion page for our work together

🧀 Pricing

I operate on a monthly retainer — this covers our coaching sessions and time spent on prep, follow-up, and everything in-between. I offer a sliding scale of $300-$600 per month. After our initial conversation, I encourage you to tune into a point that feels good for you as a way to honor our commitment.

I don't ask for any contracts or upfront payments, only an initial three month energetic commitment to build the foundation of our relationship.

Interested in coaching or connecting?

Let's Connect!

© Dennis Xiao 2024

Now

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Newsletter

Podcast

Interested in coaching
or connecting?

Let's Connect!

© Dennis Xiao 2024

Now

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Newsletter

Podcast

Interested in coaching
or connecting?

© Dennis Xiao 2024

Now

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Newsletter

Podcast

Let's Connect!