By Cator Sparks
Hey Folks! I’m Cator Sparks, and I am a certified professional Life Coach focusing on all men and specializing in the queer community. I am honored to kick off this column in David Magazine!
Queer folks don’t have a lot of safe spaces to get quiet, vulnerable, and authentic with each other. The main spaces where we find community are bars, clubs, and bathhouses. These aren’t typically the proper places to open up to your bestie about what’s really going on in life.
As a life coach, I offer the space (either on Zoom or in my home office in Midtown) for a one-on-one connection where we slow down, take a breath, and check in. I always ask a client to come with a topic in mind – and believe me; there is always something to process!
Folks often ask what the difference is between coaching and therapy. On a fundamental level, therapy often focuses on the past, while coaching focuses on the future. Some examples of coaching topics include:
Relationship issues?
Let’s weigh the pros and cons and see if your relationship aligns with your values. Not sure what your values are? We can work on that, too.
Single and struggling to find a partner?
Let’s discuss what you want in a partner, how you present yourself on apps, and what has worked and not worked in past relationships.
Feeling stuck in a job?
Let’s focus on what you want and how to achieve that.
Lacking routine?
I can help you figure out why you can’t attend the gym three times a week and are always rushing into work.
How is that self-love?
Most folks struggle with this, but queer folks have a tough time. We were in the closet, bullied, told by many (including this current regime) that we are less than. Digging deeper and processing what keeps us from loving ourselves wholly can be life-changing.
These are just a few of the many topics that my clients discuss. I often assign homework and hold you accountable at our next session. Coaching is a great way to get ‘unstuck,’ move forward, and learn about tools that you can use in your daily life to regulate your body and mind and be more present with your emotions.
A bit about me
I grew up in Atlanta and left in 1999 for NYC, where I spent 20 years as a journalist and editor. I then landed in Charleston, South Carolina, for 12 years to slow down, recenter, and be closer to my Atlanta family. After losing a job and going through a divorce, life coaching called. I have been doing this for six years, and working with men to grow and achieve their goals is an honor. I have my private practice and host an annual GBTQ+ retreat at Easton Mountain in New York. I moved back to ATL in November of 2024 with my partner. We both missed big city vibes and a more diverse and queer community. The city has not disappointed!
This column is all about y’all! So please email me with any questions regarding mental health. Topics can range from sex, dating, inner critic, drinking/substance issues, time management, career advancement, and goal setting.
Send your questions to cator@davidatlanta.com, and check back each week to see if your question was selected. We will never publish the name of the person who asked the question. Promise.
Hope to see y’all out and about, and you can always find me on IG @CatorSparks.
HOLLER!