About Me

I’m Janet Pelly, a Melbourne-based coach and narrative therapist working with women on their midlife questions.

I’m also a mum of two adult sons, yogi, long-time advocate for people from refugee backgrounds, and good friend who loves a long walk or cafe catch-up.

I came to coaching via 10 years in not for profits, 20 years in large corporates and professional services, and a big midlife shift. Not long after 50, I swapped my Communication and Engagement career for a Master in Narrative Therapy and more time for what matters.

When I look at my career, I see it tied together with a through-line of meaning - ie, what’s important and how do we make sense of what’s happening around us, especially in times of change.

Coaching has grown naturally from that thread. It draws on my background in communication and narrative practice, but it’s also about holding space for the questions that arise, exploring possible futures and supporting people as they navigate their way through.

My work is rooted in a belief that the stories we live by shape how we move forward. Coaching isn’t about delivering the answers- it’s about listening for feels important, asking the questions that matter and exploring new possiblities.

If this resonates, let’s talk.

My Approach

I ❤️ midlife because it invites the big questions: What now? What matters? What’s next?

I take an asset-based approach that acknowledges both the challenges and possibilities of this stage.

It also acknowledges that each client brings their own unique combination of priorities, values, beliefs, culture and life experiences.  

I’m:

1. Curious - every person’s background, situation and path is unique, so I maintain a beginner’s mind. There’s no expert in you but you.

2. Narrative-driven - as a narrative therapist (ACA, Level 2), I pay close attention to the stories people tell about themselves, especially during times of change and uncertainty.

3. Holistic - Different things work for different people so I draw on my training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Release, therapeutic approaches like Internal Family Systems + relational frameworks like Non-Violent Communication.

4. Neurodiversity-affirming – whether you have a diagnosis or are exploring what neurodivergence means for you, I offer a flexible, respectful space where your ways of thinking, sensing, and processing are welcomed.

Who I Work With

While there’s no typical midlife experience, I’ve worked most effectvely with women who:

  • Prioritise purpose and meaning over external markers of success.

  • Want to communicate more clearly, especially when exploring new paths.

  • Are engaged in some form of positive social change.

  • Understand the benefits of somatic work, within or alongside coaching/counselling.