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 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between counseling and life coaching?

Counseling is about the past and present and focuses the client toward healing. A therapist helps by looking at the root of problems and focuses on feelings and past events.  Often counselors work with the client for internal resolution of pain and letting go of old patterns. Therapeutic approaches are utilized to address and treat the client’s issues with the counselor acting as the one who directs the sessions.

Coaching is a process whereby the client is consciously choosing a preferred future and at the same time living life purposefully now.   A coach serves to guide the client, by helping him/her create actionable plans, find workable solutions to overcome barriers and practice new skills. The coaching process motivates the client to move forward.  Coaching is a good fit for a goal-oriented person who prefers to be responsible for personal outcomes.Coaching is not designed to be therapeutic and diagnostic in nature. However, it may be used in addition to counseling.

What happens in a counseling session?
Counseling can be a very beneficial experience for clients. Sessions are 50 minutes in length and conducted in a safe, comfortable environment. It requires your active and honest involvement and most importantly, commitment. Sometimes desired change comes easily, but often it is a slow process.  Clients may engage in counseling for many sessions to bring about meaningful, lasting results. I frequently assign tasks for you to complete in-between sessions where you can apply new insights and practice new skills. Together, we will work toward finding new avenues for positive change and personal growth.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT16SU2j3rhrcy_U-mrk_lTBGiR_qBnc3J3CT9sAsEla_zX_BtUMwWhat happens in a life coaching session?
Typically, sessions are tailored to the specific needs of each client. Individual sessions are 50 minutes in length and are conducted in a safe, comfortable environment. The first contact is a free introductory consultation in which the coach and client become acquainted and the client learns more about the coaching process. During this session, the client can determine if coaching seems like the right fit. Subsequent sessions include an initial assessment to clearly define what you are wanting, followed by additional sessions to help you attain your objectives and maximize your results. To sustain lasting change, it is common for a client to work with a coach for up to six months or more, but the client makes this determination.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ET41VBQy-s/UQoYoCGn3VI/AAAAAAAADrY/C2yoJiSXxhs/s640/TEENS2.jpgWhen are appointments available?
Sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Openings for evening appointments are limited. Every attempt will be made to schedule within a week of initial contact.

What types of payment options are available?
Payment at the time of in-person services can be made in the form of check or cash. This private pay option is always available. As a therapist, I am considered an in-network provider with the following insurance companies and their EAP programs:  

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • United Health Care/Optum
  • HealthLink
Please contact your insurance provider for details regarding your mental/ behavioral health network coverage.
For life coaching services via phone and/or Skype, it is recommended that you pay through PayPal which is a very secure and efficient online service. PayPal handles credit cards and debit cards. You have the option of setting up an account or not. Payment for sessions may occur by individual sessions or special package pricing of three, six, and/or ten sessions.

For life coaching services via phone and/or Skype, it is recommended that you pay through Pay Pal which is a very secure and efficient online service. Pay Pal handles credit cards and debit cards. You have the option of setting up an account or not. Payment for sessions may occur by individual sessions or special package pricing of four, eight, and/or twelve sessions.

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