​Life Coaching (also known as Personal Coaching) can be a good alternative to helping you overcome an obstacle. Mental health is not the focus of coaching and a mental health diagnosis is not made. We actively work on examining your life and removing obstacles that you are preventing you from reaching your goals.​​​
You could benefit from Life Coaching if...
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You would like to live a richer life and find your purpose;
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You want to get focused and receive clarity;
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You want to learn to put yourself first;
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You are thinking of making a change in your life (ex. career, relationships, family, a move);
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You are not in need of mental health services;
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You are ready for change!
Coaching sessions take place over the phone, via video or face-to-face. Included email support helps the process along. Coaching sessions lasts as long as it takes for you to reach your goals.
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Some more on counseling vs. coaching....
​Counseling is a clinical service where a mental health diagnosis is established in order to guide the treatment received. Counseling helps to reduce symptoms that are causing mental health distress and a decreased level of functioning. Many insurance companies reimburse for counseling services provided by a mental health professional. Some familiar diagnoses are depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorders. At the end of treatment, an alleviation and stabilization of symptoms should occur along with learned coping skills to deal with the disorder.
Coaching does not help you to work on mental health issues. During coaching work, we may recognize mental health issues that are interfering with your progress in your coaching journey. At that time, we may recommend that you engage in counseling services while you continue or before you start with coaching. Both counseling and coaching services won't be concurrently offered by WCA to the same client. A referral to another clinical provider may be recommended.
What credentials do coaches hold?
There are many "joe-schmos" and "mary janes" out there proclaiming to be a life coach. Not that I am hating and more power to them. The fact is, you are not required to be trained to be a life coach. Some coaches want to work with others and may have only read up on how people work. I am an independently licensed psychologist and social worker with extensive experience with working with others. Coaching is not therapy, but our formal education and experience are invaluable in the work that we do. I have taken my experience further by completing an intensive coaching program (Teleos Coach Development Program, Philadelphia) and I am a member of the International Coach Federation. I have also completed training through the Veterans Affairs system.
How are coaching sessions conducted?
All private coaching sessions are held via telephone or video. Most clients have a weekly or bi-weekly session for 40 minutes to an hour. For busy professionals who are limited on time, calls work as there is no travel time for sessions involved and they don't have to leave from their location. Calls can take place during lunch breaks, before work and during a free time slot in your calendar. Ultimately, your individual plan is catered to your needs. If you are in the Philadelphia/Chester County area, face-to-face sessions may be scheduled if that is your preference.
What happens in between sessions?
In between sessions, you may be given exercises to give you "food for thought." At times, you may be asked to complete an exercise prior to the next session in order to us to review. You will be able to communicate with your coach via email in between sessions.
What are the coaching costs?
I charge according to a package that you choose. My rates start at $200 per month depending on the package (ex. frequency and length of calls per month.) The fee arrangement is confirmed after the complimentary consultation.