There are some distinct differences between the two and some overlap. For instance, coaches and therapists may ask similar questions -- based on what you share -- to help evoke deeper awareness. Generally, though, therapy tends to focus on making connections between your past and present, and coaching tends to be present and future oriented. Many types of therapy (especially when covered by insurance) are based on a medicalized, diagnostic model that aims to reduce and treat symptoms. Coaching is typically more holistic and geared towards enhancing your quality of life and helping you move in the direction of stated goals. I’m not a therapist, so I can’t diagnose mental health conditions, nor prescribe pharmaceutical or therapeutic interventions.

If you’re aware that you need help processing past trauma, are experiencing crisis, or are seeking a mental health diagnosis, you should seek therapy prior to (or in conjunction with) coaching. That said, sometimes it isn’t always immediately clear how deep certain issues may run, and there can be some productive overlap between therapy and coaching. If, during our work together, it becomes clear that a topic you’re grappling with exceeds my scope of practice, we’ll talk about referrals to other professionals.

Whereas friendship typically has an expectation of reciprocity and emotional intimacy, our relationship will be friendly, but not reciprocal. Additionally, I’m committed to maintaining boundaries that enable me to hold a sturdy, shame-free space for you. The questions I ask will sometimes challenge you but will originate from a place of nonjudgmental curiosity designed to help us both understand you better. These are the kind of questions that a friend may not feel able to ask if they’re invested in a particular outcome or response from you. My quality of presence will also likely be different, because my focus is entirely on you. I’ll often reflect what I hear in what your words, your facial expressions, your body language, and your energy. Sometimes I’ll also tell you what I notice you’re NOT saying.

If you ask different coaches this question, you’re apt to get just as many different answers. From my perspective, transformational coaching is for clients who are interested in a deep dive rather than a quick fix. Transformational coaching helps clients deconstruct limiting beliefs and locate their own values so that their way of being in the world aligns with their deepest, most authentic, core self. Going through this process is powerful, almost like a rebirth. People often become interested in this level of work when they confront a life-or-identity changing event or situation. Such pivotal times reveal that something fundamental needs to shift, but it's not always clear what that “something” is, nor how to approach it. Other types of coaching (career, leadership, or creativity coaching, for example) tend to be narrower in scope and pegged to a very specific goal(s). 

Yes. Everything you share in our sessions will remain completely confidential, unless it poses a danger to yourself or another, or unless you explicitly consent in writing to my sharing with another professional.

I offer sliding scale rates for everyone, regardless of means. For more information on pricing, please see the above information on my offerings page