What is the difference between therapy, coaching, and consultation?

Therapy: Provided by a licensed professional who works with you in order to improve your mental health. This is primarily guided by the client with suggested or encouraged directions by the therapist. Therapist will also make known blind spots clients may not see getting in the way of themselves. Therapy duration depends on need and symptoms.

Coaching: Provided by a certified professional who works collaboratively with you in order to reach your goals and potential based on your values, dreams, and aspirations. Coaching encourages you to work through obstacles and see challenges as opportunities for personal growth.

Consulting: Provided by a certified or licensed professional who works to help provide you already established tools and strategies to better yourself, your group, or your business. This is primarily guided by the consultant with the client taking, receiving, and implementing the guidance regardless of individual preference.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between talking to a friend or loved one and talking to someone who has the training and professional experience to support you in the way that is necessary to help you reach your goals and/or overcome obstacles. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach and coaching services to your specific needs. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling or coaching services in the first place.

Are sessions confidential?

All sessions remain confidential with a few exceptions that will be further explained prior to starting counseling or coaching services. Examples of limitations to confidentiality include harm to self or others, child abuse, or elder abuse. I value your privacy and actively pursue keeping client information confidential and protected. I will need your signed permission (release of information) in order to release any confidential information.

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

There maybe a time or two when you need to cancel an appointment. That is completely understandable as unexpected life circumstances do arise. Because I make sure to reserve an allotted time and space for you I do enforce a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel or reschedule your appointment without 24 hours prior notice, you will be charged your full session fee.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

Do you meet with clients living in other States via the web?

Yes and no. Due to Licensed Professional Counseling regulations in California, I cannot meet with counseling clients residing in other States. I can however meet with coaching clients who live in other States via the web.

Why don’t you take insurance?

Insurance companies require therapist’s to categorize and label their clients by providing a diagnosis for reimbursement. While a diagnosis can be helpful for developing a treatment plan I do not believe that giving every client a diagnosis is in their best interest.

Insurance companies dictate how many sessions they will pay to treat your diagnosis. Many times only a handful of sessions are covered.
With private pay, you have more control over receiving the best care possible.
Coaching services, as far as I know, are never covered by insurance.
Private pay allows me to work in a manner that increases my ability to provide quality care for my clients.

I want to get the most out of therapy or coaching services. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.