What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

When it comes to self-improvement and personal development, two commonly sought-after avenues are therapy and life coaching. While both aim to help individuals overcome challenges and lead more fulfilling lives, they differ in several fundamental ways. Understanding the distinctions between therapy and life coaching can help you make an informed choice about which approach is best suited to your needs.

During your consultation appointment, we will also discuss the best strategies and types of support you could benefit from.

Therapy

Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is primarily focused on addressing and resolving psychological and emotional issues.

The focus of therapy will be to help you explore the root causes of your problems, heal emotional wounds, and manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress management, grief, ADHD, executive functioning, and life transitions.

I have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2005 and approved supervisor with the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners Board Approved Supervisor. To be licensed to practice, I completed extensive clinical training and passed licensing exams. Every two years, I complete 40 hours of continuing education.

Therapy often involves a longer-term commitment, spanning weeks, months, or even years, depending on the nature and severity of the issues being addressed. The pace of therapy is determined by the client's progress in healing and personal growth.

Therapeutic Approaches

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, polyvagal theory, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing to delve into your past, emotions, and thought patterns.

In addition to evidenced based therapeutic approaches, I also incorporate cultural competence, holistic approaches such as focusing on the mind and body connection. mindfulness and strengths-based approaches. I am bound by strict confidentiality rules and am ethically obligated to keep the content of sessions confidential.

Life Coaching

The purpose of life coaching is more goal-oriented and action-driven. As a coach, I will help you set and achieve specific personal or professional goals, enhance your performance, and improve your overall life satisfaction.

How are your services different from other life coaches?

I am unique in offering coaching since most life coaches can come from various backgrounds and may not necessarily hold advanced degrees or licenses. Since I am a licensed clinician, in my capacity as a coach I maintain strict confidentiality rules and am ethically obligated to keep the content of sessions confidential.

What is your approach?

In my capacity as a coach, I will work with you to define and achieve specific objectives within a set timeframe. I will employ strategies and techniques to help you set and attain your goals. The approach is action-oriented, with an emphasis on planning, accountability, and motivating you to make positive changes in your life. Life coaching tends to be more short-term and goal-specific, with sessions typically lasting a few weeks or months to a year.

How will I achieve better well-being and reach my goals?

Therapy and life coaching are distinct approaches to personal development, each catering to different needs and goals. It's essential to assess your unique circumstances and objectives to determine which path is the most suitable for you. Whether you seek emotional healing and mental well-being through therapy or aim to achieve specific goals and maximize your potential through life coaching, both avenues can be highly valuable in helping you lead a more fulfilling life.

How long will I be working with you?

The duration of our work together would be based on the presenting issues or challenges that you are experiencing.

For therapy, I often suggest to work together for 60 minutes once a week for about three months. This approach is based on solution focused cognitive behavioral therapy. After the three months of working together, we would assess how you are doing and determine if you would like to continue working together or terminate services.

For coaching, each appointment is 60 minutes once a week for about a month. The amount of appointments would depend on the issue(s) that you would like to address. Often times, client resolves one issue successfully and then may be in touch should another issue arise.

What are your fees?

THERAPY

Self-pay and Out of network

I offer therapy services for self-pay clients and clients who would need out of network services. For self-pay clients, the fee is due prior to the appointment. As a licensed mental health provider, my services would be reimbursed by most insurance companies. You would be responsible for the self-pay payment rate prior to the appointment. You would submit the claim for reimbursement to your insurance company. I would provide you with the diagnosis and CPT code.

Intake and appointment fee: $249 for 60 minutes

In network

If you would like to use insurance with BCBS and Cigna, you would be responsible for your co-pay and any deductible you have. I would process the insurance claim with your insurance company.

Financial need

For clients who may need a reduced rate, I am a provider with Open Path Collective, to provide affordable online therapy for those experiencing financial need. Please note that I accept a limited number of clients through this collaborative.

COACHING

All coaching services are self-pay. The fee for a 60 minute appointment is $249. Payment is due prior to the appointment.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require a minimum of a 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. The fee for not cancelling or showing up for your appointment will be a $100 charge.

Do you offer an initial consultation?

To make sure I am good fit for you, I offer a FREE brief consultation by phone or video. If you decide to work with me, I will send you an introduction confirmation email including your appointment information and forms to complete. Should I not be able to accommodate your needs, I will do my best to connect you with services that will be helpful for you.

How can I help you?

I will help you by initially listening to your concerns and hearing about the reason you reached out for support.

For therapy clients, once you shared what your concerns are, I will analyze the reason why you are experiencing those symptoms and develop goals to decrease symptoms and teach you coping skills and strategies to feel better.

I utilize an eclectic approach during your treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, solution focused therapy and mindfulness. I am also trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and may incorporate those techniques if needed. I also take into account how your sleeping, eating and exercise habits may impact your current functioning.

For coaching clients, I assist you in identifying goals to address your issue. I will monitor your successes, praise you for your accomplishments and help you reflect on any challenges you may have while attempting to implement your goals. I think a big part of success is being able to identify challenges that may impact your goal achievement and learn from what is working and what you would need to change.