Zachary Pike Gandara is a seasoned speaker and guide with over 20 years of experience. He has inspired and empowered thousands with his dynamic talks on change and personal evolution, while guiding hundreds of leaders and clients through deep, transformative coaching.
I am grateful to meet you!
As a seasoned Jungian Mediator, I specialize in guiding accomplished individuals like you through the rich and transformative journey of self-discovery. With deep expertise in Carl Jung's teachings, the contemplative practice of mindfulness, and ancient wisdom traditions, I help you navigate the intricate landscape of your inner world. Together, we attune to the subtle voices within, harmonizing these inner dimensions to unlock the profound wisdom of your subconscious. This accelerated process empowers you to swiftly transcend past traumas, integrate fragmented parts of yourself, master your ego and emotions, and recalibrate your nervous system. The result is a life aligned with your most authentic self.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
Pain, Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Have Been the Gifts That Created the BreakBox Transformation Process:
Zachary Pike Gandara created BreakBox Coaching because his life story of overcoming trauma, religious PTSD, and narcissistic abuse has uniquely equipped him to guide others in healing, embracing discomfort, and evolving through their own challenges.
Zachary Pike Gandara’s life story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of the human spirit to overcome profound challenges. His journey has been marked by intense struggles, both physical and emotional, which have ultimately shaped him into a compassionate and insightful coach. It is through these adversities that the BreakBox Coaching process was born—a process deeply rooted in Zachary's personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom.
A Childhood of Religious Trauma
Zachary was born into a strict religious environment, where the doctrines of his faith were not just a belief system but a way of life. The rigid, authoritarian nature of the religion exerted a strong influence on every aspect of his upbringing. Unfortunately, this environment also fostered narcissistic abuse, where control and manipulation were masked as spiritual guidance. Zachary's sense of self-worth and identity were systematically undermined by the very people who were supposed to nurture him. This environment created deep wounds, leading to what is now recognized as religious PTSD—a form of trauma that left Zachary grappling with feelings of guilt, shame, and a pervasive fear of judgment.
Theological Pursuits and the Mega-Church Pastorate
Driven by the teachings he was raised in, Zachary pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. This degree set him on a path to become a mega-church pastor, a role that he believed was his calling. For years, he served in this capacity, leading large congregations, preaching, and becoming a prominent figure in his religious community. However, despite his outward success, there was an inner dissonance that began to grow within him—a sense that something was missing, that the life he was leading, and the message he was sharing, were not fully aligned with true spirituality and freedom.
A Battle with Kidney Failure and Academic Awakening
One of the most significant physical challenges Zachary faced began during his adolescence. Due to the rigid religious beliefs of his community, medical intervention was often viewed with suspicion or outright rejection. As a result, when Zachary began experiencing symptoms of severe kidney problems, he was not taken to a doctor. By the time he finally received medical attention, it was too late to reverse the damage. His kidneys had failed, and he was thrust into a life-or-death battle.
For two grueling years, Zachary endured dialysis—a process that, while keeping him alive, drained his energy and tested his willpower. Yet, it was during these long hours of dialysis that Zachary engaged in deep intellectual and spiritual exploration. He was simultaneously pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology, focusing on the ancient languages of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic—the root languages of the Bible. Through his studies in historical hermeneutical exegesis, he rigorously analyzed the original texts of the Bible, reading it cover to cover thirteen times.
This intense period of study and reflection became a turning point in Zachary’s life. As he delved deeper into the scriptures and the historical contexts in which they were written, he began to see the discrepancies between the teachings of the Bible and the practices of modern religion, particularly the mega-church model he was part of. His scholarly work led to an awakening—a realization that his role as a mega-church pastor was not leading him or others to genuine spirituality or freedom. The more he understood, the more he felt compelled to leave behind the life he had built and the beliefs that no longer resonated with his emerging understanding of truth.
The Road to Resilience: 17 Surgeries and Counting
The kidney transplant was just one of many medical challenges Zachary faced. Over the years, he underwent a staggering 17 surgeries, each one a testament to his enduring fight for health and normalcy. These physical trials were accompanied by chronic pain, recovery, and the constant threat of further complications. Yet, through it all, Zachary remained resolute. These experiences forged within him an extraordinary resilience and a deep understanding of suffering, recovery, and the human capacity for endurance.
Overcoming Emotional Challenges: Divorce and Attachment Healing
Zachary’s challenges were not confined to the physical realm. He also faced significant emotional hurdles, including the pain of divorce. This personal loss brought to the surface long-standing issues related to anxious attachment—a pattern of behavior stemming from his early experiences of insecurity and trauma. For years, Zachary struggled with feelings of abandonment and a desperate need for reassurance in his relationships.
But Zachary is not one to shy away from growth. He committed himself to deep emotional work, exploring the roots of his attachment issues and gradually transforming his relationship patterns. Through this process, he was able to shift from an anxious attachment style to a secure one. This transformation not only healed his own heart but also equipped him with the tools to help others navigate their own attachment challenges.
The Birth of BreakBox Coaching
All of these experiences—religious trauma, academic awakening, physical suffering, and emotional healing—came together to form the foundation of BreakBox Coaching. Zachary realized that the journey he had been on was not just a personal one; it was a universal process of breaking free from the constraints that life imposes on all of us.
The Outcomes: Freedom, Empowerment, and Self-Mastery
Through BreakBox Coaching, Zachary has developed a transformative coaching path that focuses on three core outcomes: freedom, empowerment, and self-mastery. These pathways have not only been integral to Zachary’s own journey but have also helped hundreds of individuals, business leaders, and professional athletes overcome the obstacles that were holding their potential hostage.
Freedom involves breaking free from the mental, emotional, and societal boxes that restrict true expression and fulfillment. Clients who work with Zachary often find themselves liberated from old patterns, traumas, and limiting beliefs, stepping into a life where they are no longer confined by their past.
Empowerment is about reclaiming one’s innate power and stepping confidently into life’s challenges with the tools and mindset needed to thrive. Under Zachary’s guidance, clients learn to navigate discomfort, build resilience, and harness their inner strength to overcome adversity.
Self-mastery is the ultimate goal—achieving a deep understanding and control over one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Clients who achieve self-mastery through BreakBox Coaching are equipped to maintain their growth and continue evolving long after their coaching journey ends.
These outcomes have created a ripple effect, empowering individuals to lead with authenticity, achieve their highest potential, and live a life that is not just successful but deeply fulfilling. Zachary’s journey from religious trauma and physical adversity to spiritual awakening and coaching mastery continues to inspire and guide others on their own paths to freedom, empowerment, and self-mastery. Through BreakBox Coaching, Zachary Pike Gandara is not just helping people break out of their boxes—he is helping them create a new reality where they can thrive.
Zachary Pike Gandara Press Bio
Zachary Pike Gandara is a highly valued coach, podcaster, author, speaker and spiritual teacher known for his works on topics related to personal growth, spirituality, and consciousness.
“Everyday Evolution with Zachary Pike” is the name of his upcoming podcast, where he discusses self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Gandara often shares insights and interviews guests who discuss topics such as mindfulness, holistic health, and the journey of awakening.
BreakBox Coaching and Creative was born from Zachary’s personal journey of seeking practical methods to transform the self-awareness gained through years of psychotherapy into tangible tools for healing and change. The awareness therapy provided wasn’t enough. He needed tools, a solution. That solution was BreakBox Coaching and Creative.
BreakBox provides a solution that goes beyond traditional therapy by combining therapeutic insights with practical strategies for implementing actual changes in one’s life. We help clients move from insights gained in therapy to taking concrete actions that lead to positive outcomes and personal growth. More than that, we teach them how to alchemize awareness into effortless transformation.