There is more in a human life than our theories of it allow. Sooner or later something seems to call us onto a particular path. You may remember this ‘something’ as a signal moment in childhood when an urge out of nowhere, a fascination, a peculiar turn of events struck like an annunciation; ‘This is what I must do, this is what I've got to have. This is who I am.’ 
— The Soul’s Code

my past

From as early as I can remember I have been fascinated with babies, children and human development. My “signal moment” occurred when I held a five day old newborn for the very first time. It was 1978 and I was seven years old. His mom placed him in my arms and something inside of me ignited. There was a palpable, warm, positive sensation that flooded me, and the words “This is what I’m here to do”  flashed into my brain. I remember it like it was yesterday. And, I’ve been following that impulse, listening to that call, since then. 

Throughout childhood I chose to spend most of my afternoons with the moms, babies and children in my neighborhood. I was doing what I loved and the parents were happy to have me around to play with the bigger kids, hold babies, change diapers, fold laundry, etc. I did that until college — and even through college I babysat for some of my professors’ children. After graduation, I veered off my path and tried out a couple office jobs, but I was miserable. I knew I needed to get back on my path. 

At 25 years old I felt pulled toward a graduate program at the University of Texas offering a master’s degree in health promotion. During my time at UT,  I went deep into studying human development, attachment theory, and cross-cultural anthropology. That led me to pursue a Ph.D. (with a second master’s along the way)  in clinical psychology with an emphasis on prenatal and perinatal psychology. This program brought together embryology, cellular biology, epigenetics, consciousness studies, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma theory, somatic psychology,  plus a whole lot of counseling training. I lived and worked with families as a postpartum doula. In the midst of it all, I didn't know exactly where I was heading.  However, I did know I was extraordinarily happy. I was truly following my bliss.

After eight years, a lot of hard work, and an astounding amount of learning,  I emerged as Dr. Carrie Contey.

my present

I’m an insatiably curious explorer and philosopher at heart. Understanding the nature of what it means to be a whole, connected, evolving human is what drives my work. I thrive when I’m pondering big ideas, asking unanswerable questions, connecting with other curious humans, exploring beautiful places and finding deep inspiration in nature. I’m committed to my own growth and I love inspiring, supporting and championing others in their own. I’m at my best when I’m connecting with people who are interested in truly knowing themselves, living in alignment and evolving as people, parents, partners and prosperous beings. 

When I think about what I offer as a coach, speaker and facilitator, I’m aware that there are themes that thread throughout my work.  Here are some of my essential messages.

First, there’s tending the relationship with yourself:
Slowing down.
Going within.
Listening deeply.
Discovering what’s essential for you and your unique life.
Hearing and trusting your inner knowing.
Exploring and expanding your perspectives. 
Busting through old & outdated messages & judgments.
Feeling all the feelings.
Being intentional about the choices you make. 
Crafting the life that feels just right for you and yours.

Then, there’s tending the relationships you have with others:
{Your partner, children, parents, friends, colleagues, etc.}
Getting present.
Making space. 
Being curious.
Appreciating everyone’s uniqueness.
Practicing open and honest communication.
Allowing everyone to just be.
Experimenting with new ways of connecting.
Communicating authentically. 
Taking risks.
Saying sorry.
Snuggling up.
Being together.
Giving space.
Choosing love. 

I LOVE the work I get to do with individuals,  families, and groups. And, without a doubt, I can honestly say, this stuff works! I see people transform before my eyes, every day. It’s quite miraculous. 

my future

I’m deeply passionate about the evolution of humankind through the expansion of conscious. 

I envision a world where all people:
Know and trust themselves, deeply.
Feel clear on what’s essential for their own well-being.
Understand how humans develop — brains, bodies and beingness.
Recognize that babies arrive as conscious BIG BEINGS in little bodies and that human evolution is a miraculous process that is to be honored and trusted and celebrated, at all stages.
Feel confident and well-equipped to skillfully guide their growing people as they navigate the wild and wonderful seas of human existence together.

This is my dream and I’m committed to doing as much as I can to bring it forth.   

I love every bit of this adventure and I’m bubbling with excitement to see how my story will continue to unfold. I am clear that my intention is to feel as free, joyful, and loving as I can — while also being as useful to as many people as possible who are interested in the kind of information, support, and experiences I have to offer. If you would like to work with me please click here.  And feel free to reach out. I will reach back.