Hello! I’m Elizabeth.

I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve optimal wellness, and my approach to counseling and coaching is personalized to help you get there. 

Using different therapeutic modalities and emphasizing self-care, we can work together to listen to your body's messages and access your innate strengths. You will achieve your goals, and feel whole and empowered to take the world on. 

Whether you are seeking individual therapy with me and/or attending one of our SCWS your team is here. YFN’s studio has monthly diverse classes to create a boutique experience for you.

Elizabeth Z. McDonough is the Founder and CEO of You First Now, a heart-led and empowerment-focused company on a mission to help people become their best selves. She has worked in the integrative health space for over 20 years as a personal fitness trainer, Mental Health Counselor, Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Mental & Emotional Release® recognized by the Association for Integrative Psychology, and a certified Perinatal Mental Health Counselor through Postpartum International. Elizabeth is also a Co-chair of the Moments Committee for the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County.

As a mother herself, a major focus in Elizabeth’s work has been helping women and couples navigate the perinatal and postpartum phases of parenthood. Elizabeth also specializes in working with young adults to help them purposefully connect with their gifts, which allows them to strengthen their self-esteem and confidence in their own capabilities.

Above all, Elizabeth teaches us how to empower ourselves and others to live a life grounded in integrity, exudes fun, and shines our unique light.

Elizabeth has a Master of Education degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Excelsior University.

About You First Now

Founded in 2018 by Elizabeth Z. McDonough, You First Now is a holistic approach to optimal living and self-care. Offering customized plans for clients including mental health counseling, lifestyle coaching, and in-person community events, You First Now enables you to give the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you by advocating for yourself. Each day, we are guided by our core values of integrity, courage, empowerment, and most importantly, fun.

YFN Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire and cultivate a community of fun, support, and love, enabling people to become their best selves and shine their own unique light.

YFN Founding Principles

Because each person is Divinely created, whole, and complete, YFN, highlights core principles that are innate in each of us, and may lie dormant in some, and need sharpening for others. Choosing You First Now is choosing to shine bright, letting the best of you overflow for the betterment of self and your surroundings. All are affected in a positive light by choosing YouFirstNow. 

What are you waiting for? 

Integrity

The state of being whole and undivided. Say what you mean, mean what you say. There is no hidden agenda. You get as much or as little as you put into the work. Every session, workshop/program, and gathering, holds the highest standards. 

  • Mediocrity is not an option.

  • Follow through. Every. Single. Time. 

  • Honest feedback. Always.

  • Ethical professionalism is non-negotiable

Empowerment

Become stronger and more confident in your life. 

  • Exude the ability to lift yourself and others. 

  • Feel a deep sense of knowingness. 

  • Be a badass like you know you are!

Courage

The ability to welcome discomfort and change the perspective from an obstacle to an opportunity. 

  • Only opportunities – YFN will help you reframe your perspective so that solutions are abundant and possible.

  • Take responsibility for one's whole self. You have the bravery inside you to take responsibility for the way you show up in your life. 

  • You have the courage to not blame others. YFN expects all people to take responsibility for their thinking and behaviors. We show you a healthy approach to optimal living. 

  • Courage to do the hard work – nothing worth having or experiencing is void of Hard Work

Fun

Freedom to enjoy life to its fullest. Find joy in the smallest things.

  • Smile. 

  • Feel gratitude. 

  • Breathe. 

  • Feel free. 

  • Celebrate the Miracle that you are!