There are several distinctions between coaching and therapy that are important to understand when choosing what service is best for you.
Therapists, including psychologist, social workers and professional counselors, are all required to have a state license issued by their respective licensing board, and held to ethical standards. Therapy is a service utilized by individuals experiencing symptoms of mental health that negatively impacts several areas of functioning, such as school, work and interpersonal relationships. Due to the nature of mental health, therapists can contract with insurance companies to cover the cost of their services much like visiting a primary doctor. In treatment, therapy most often considers the past and may include uncovering the root of present day symptoms with the aim to heal a person’s emotional and behavioral challenges.
Coaching does not require a license, is not covered by insurance, and avoids mental health symptoms. It is best practice for a coach to refer clients experiencing active mental health symptoms to a licensed professional. As coaching focuses on the present and looking forward to the future, it aims to help clients create an action plan for establishing and achieving a specific goal, rather than uncovering the cause of why a person has not completed a goal.
It should be noted that coaches can receive certification after obtaining extensive education and training.
Both therapists and coaches can work in a variety of settings, such as non-profits or academic institutions; help clients navigate interpersonal relationships at work and home, set and meet goals of all types; and help clients develop and maintain a professional identity.
If choosing to work with Dr. Whitehead for coaching services, please consider that she will not offer any therapy services to avoid creating a dual relationship (simultaneously having more than one professional relationship with a client). If symptoms of a clinical nature are observed within the coaching work, it will be shared with the client and referrals for therapy will be offered.
Services Offered
- Parenting
- Stress Management
- Career Transitions
- Personal Growth
- Lifestyle changes
- Life skill development
- Goal-setting and accountability
If you have been thinking for a while about changing as aspect of your health, leaving a job you hate, feeling overwhelmed within your home, or uncertain of where to start with ‘adulting’ tasks, coaching may be what you’ve been looking for.
My aim is to help you clearly state what is not longer working for you, identify the ideal outcome, and help you create the specific steps that will help you achieve the desired outcome for your health, career, interpersonal relationships, or just feeling more confident moving through life.
Session Structure and Fees
All coaching will be offered online via video through Simple Practice.
The initial assessment will be 75 to 90-minutes to establish a primary goal with an action plan. It is encouraged to commit to at least 4 to 6 60-minute coaching sessions to improve the outcome.
- Individual Coaching Session, $225
- Coaching Packages
- 4-sessions, $800
- 6 – sessions, $1,225
- 3-hr intensive, $600
If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss you coaching goals and determine how well we can work together, CLICK HERE
