Coaching & Therapy

Many clients see me because I am a coach and not a therapist.

Here's a quick tutorial for those wondering about the difference between coaches and therapists:

• Coaches focus on the present moment and how to move forward. They do not ask questions about a client's early childhood experiences.

• Therapists focus on any disorders or trauma that may be present. They are trained to go into early experiences and heal the past.

• Coaches and clients co-create action plans to put new awarenesses into practice.

• Therapists focus on the process, usually providing little direction about “What do I do now?"

• Both hold space for the client as a deep listener, inviting further self-reflection for positive transformation.

Clients are sometimes therapy-averse due to personal negative experiences in the past or because they don't want to go into the muck of their early childhood to get the support they need.

Regardless of the path one chooses, it's critical that clients feel better after a session.

What does high-quality support look like?

I remember when I was in crisis and needed to see someone ASAP. A dear friend (and former therapist) helped me find a genuinely helpful practitioner. I was so grateful for my friends' support because it was hard to discern if someone was a good fit while simultaneously navigating a crisis. 

Here are a few things to look for when finding a coach or therapist:

• The practitioner is professional and does not share confidential information about other clients with you.

• The focus is on you and your situation, not the practitioner.

• They are present and attentive to you, respecting when you don't want to talk about something and supporting you in alternate ways until you're ready.

• They respect your boundaries and do not chase you if you stop seeing them.

• You may leave a session feeling raw and tender, but you should also feel clearer, lighter, and relieved.

It's sometimes difficult to muster the courage to be vulnerable and seek support. What awaits on the other side of that courage is more space, less noise, and greater alignment that is always worth it.