I’m Debbie Au Yeung, a life and leadership coach specializing in narrative and embodiment modilities.
I know what it’s like to be capable, responsible, and deeply attuned to others and to slowly lose touch with yourself in the process. On the outside, things look fine. Inside, your body tells a different story.
As the eldest daughter in a Chinese immigrant family, responsibility and people-pleasing shaped my nervous system early. Like many cycle-breakers, I inherited stories about self-sacrifice and earning belonging, passed down through generations of women who carried a lot and put themselves last.
My work supports individuals and leaders in untangling inherited identity beliefs, the ones that shaped how they learned to belong, lead, and survive, so they can root back into themselves and live with more honesty, agency, and care, without rejecting who or where they come from.
I’m an ICF-certified coach with 17+ years of human resources and people development experience working with leaders and teams in private and public companies.
What we'll do together
We’ll focus on:
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Where over-responsibility is showing up in how you lead and make decisions
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Untangling expectations so you can lead with clarity instead of obligation
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Taking grounded action to set boundaries, communicate directly, and lead on your terms
How we work
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We slow things down so you can sense what’s happening inside and respond with more clarity and choice.
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Together, we name the patterns and expectations shaping your decisions and practice choosing in ways that feel honest and sustainable.
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Each session leaves you more grounded, clearer about what matters, and supported in following through.
Jen, CA
I've been coached by Debbie many times, and each time I walk away feeling refreshed, pumped, positive, and grounded. I know Debbie truly cares about me and I feel it every time she coaches me. Debbie definitely brings her A-game when she coaches. I appreciate Debbie's golden bright spirit, her lively high energy, her thoughtfulness and wisdom, her powerful questions, and her ability to hold a very safe space for you. Debbie is an amazing coach who believes in you, challenges you, and deeply cares about you being and doing your best."
-- Jennifer Lin, Coach & Engineering Director
Jane, CA
My heartfelt gratitude for the coaching I have received from Debbie.
Through our sessions, I have gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement. My self-awareness has empowered me to take more effective and confident actions in my daily task and personal life.
Your guidance has been valuable, and I have learned how to set some realistic and achievable goals.
Every piece of advice has been practical and applicable. I feel much more equipped to handle challenges and seize opportunities that come my way.
I also appreciate the supportive and encouraging environment you fostered during our coaching sessions. It made it easy for me to open up and discuss my concerns, knowing that I was in a safe and non-judgmental space. Your patience, insights, and unwavering support have truly made a difference.
Once again, thank you for the wonderful coaching. The knowledge and skills I have acquired will continue to serve me well in both personal and professional life. I look forward to applying everything I have learned and to continuing this journey of growth and development.
Chris, NJ
Working with Debbie has been such a productive journey with having support and a finding clarity with personal and professional goals. Her heartful approach and intuition allows us to focus on the vital issues and cut through the clutter that can oftentimes be distracting and counterproductive.
She continues to be crucial in my development to delve deeper into roles and goals for my own practice and purpose.
Diane, CA
Working with Debbie was truly transformative. I was going through a phase of extreme burnout in my job and navigating how to get back to myself and my values. I remembered meeting Debbie at a coaching retreat and relating to her warm presence and shared experiences as an eldest daughter. We worked together to challenge narratives I had developed about my role in the family and map out a new career path that gave me more joy. It was a rollercoaster of a ride releasing unexpressed grief in order to create new possibilities. Debbie provided a supportive space to help me understand the complex emotions I was going through and guiding me to other side. Thank you Debbie!!
FAQ
Is this therapy?
This is not therapy. Therapy often focuses on healing past wounds and treating mental health conditions.
Coaching is forward focused and grounded in the present, helping you notice what is happening now and make intentional choices about how you want to move forward. If something feels better supported by therapy, I will name that with care.
What if I do not know what I want?
You do not need to have clarity before starting. Many people come to coaching precisely because they have spent years prioritizing others and lost touch with their own wants and needs. Coaching is a space to slow down, listen inward, and begin discovering what matters to you now.
Will you tell me what to do or push me to change?
No. This work is not about fixing you or pushing you before you are ready. We move at a pace your nervous system can actually sustain, building awareness and choice rather than pressure or urgency.
Who is this work for?
This work is for people who have carried a lot for others and are ready to choose themselves with more honesty and care. I often work with cycle breakers, eldest daughters, leaders, and individuals navigating transitions in identity, work, or relationships.
How do I get started?
We begin with a short, no pressure conversation to explore what you are carrying and what you are looking for.
From there, we decide together whether working together feels like the right next step.
If your question is not answered here, we can talk it through. You do not need to have everything figured out to reach out.