Deciding whether to choose a therapist or a coach can be confusing! Because I provide both services, I have taken careful consideration to define and specialize each service very clearly and distinctly. After you read this information you will have a better understanding of which service is right for you.
I AM WHO I AM: My coaching style and my therapy style is the same. One of the ways coaching and therapy are often differentiated is that coaching is present and foward focused and therapy is digging into the past. That is true in some therapy appoaches. However, cognitive therapy like coaching, is also present and foward focused. The only real difference for my practice is the presenting problem. Read on:
THE INSURANCE ISSUE: Therapy may be covered by insurance, but life coaching is not. For insurance to cover therapy there needs to be a "billable diagnosis" such as Panic Disorder. In order to report a billable diagnosis, you would have to meet specific criteria found in the DSM-IV, the mental health field's diagnosis manual. This can only be done during a face to face assessment with me or another credentialed therapist. One reason I have decided to become a life coach is because many of the people asking for my help are couples. I learned that most insurance companies do not cover marital or couples counseling.
We will consider THERAPY when:
You are struggling with anxiety or panic attacks
You are experiencing emotional distress in response to an identifiable stressor(s)
You are having difficulty controlling your worries
Diagnosis must be determined in order to use your insurance
If you do have a billable diagnosis, but you choose not to use your insurance my self pay fee is available. This will also be for those who are not local and want to meet via phone/skype
We will consider INDIVIDUAL/COUPLES COACHING when:
You and/or your partner are having difficulties and want to save your relationship
You and/or your partner want to create a stronger more fulfilling relationship
You have specific life goals you are eager to accomplish
You are ready for change and a new start
You are not experiencing excessive emotional distress
No diagnosis can be determined
You want to get "unstuck" but need a boost
We can meet in person if local, or via phone or skype anywhere in the world!
We will have a free phone consultation to make sure my services are right for you.
I hope this helped to determine which service would best meet your needs. Its just a snap shot, so please feel free to call with any questions! I look forward to meeting you!