Coaching vs Therapy
If you struggle with problems in your life or have an ongoing list of things to do and lack the direction, motivation, or support to get things accomplished, be consistent, or create positive change, perhaps you need a coach. Coaching is like therapy but is generally goal-oriented and solution-focused, addressing short-term and semi-long-term goals in a realistic yet timely manner and giving you the tools to live your best life as obstacles arise. Coaching also utilizes the ability to focus on your strengths, take steps to improve weaknesses (if possible or necessary), and accept your truth. Coaching can be the cheaper option if money is tight, depending on educational background, licensing, and business costs, but it is typically not covered by insurance. Counseling typically includes aspects of coaching for some therapists more than others. It addresses deeper issues, gets to the root of emotional issues and/or behavioral patterns that lead to dysfunction, and may have an educational element. The true difference is the therapeutic aspect. For more information to help you choose or if you are just curious about the educational background of coaches, jump to the blog.
Mind-body practices are offered within coaching and counseling sessions or as the primary service. They can include meditation, guided imagery, movement and posture, music and art, and Ayurvedic Medicine.
Coaching
Coaching for individuals involves establishing goals, creating a plan, and taking action toward their goal(s). Sessions may also be focused on mental health and well-being, quality of life, nutrition, purpose, altering perception, self-care techniques, relationships, communication, motivation, self-love, confidence, and management of anxiety, depression, and pain. Services may include mind-body techniques, from a basic overview of essential oils to an introduction to grounding, beginner’s yoga, postures, and functional movement, and the use of colors, textures, and patterns for healing. Meditation practices include but are not limited to movement, music, guided imagery, love and compassion, and art therapy during or after meditation to explore feelings and subconscious thoughts or just for fun. Sessions may also explore using Ayurvedic Medicine for healthy eating based on one's body type, supplementation for overall well-being, and the use of colors, textures, and patterns for health. Many techniques aid clients in letting go of doubt, regret, loss, and trauma and build on ambition, hope, love, perception, and positive thinking.
Coaching for couples is an alternative approach to improving and maintaining communication, connections, and intimacy. Similar to individual coaching, sessions begin with the development of goals, creating a plan, and taking action toward the goal(s). Sessions often include discussion and working to communicate more effectively. Clients also enjoy alternative approaches to building stronger bonds and intimacy by engaging in active sessions that introduce self-care techniques to do together to understand individual needs for self-care and learn how the other gives and receives love. Mind-body techniques can strengthen the emotional bond, allowing the release of conflict and pain through the use of breath work, meditation, art/drawing, and walking. Nutrition and supplement advice using Ayurvedic Medicine is also helpful for those seeking to improve emotional balance and well-being. The choice is yours.
Counseling and Educational Therapy
Substance use and addiction counseling sessions address triggers, coping skills, self-esteem, dysfunctional family dynamics, communication, parenting, motivation and ambition, confidence building, and address deeper issues that keep a person in the cycle of dysfunction. Addiction comes in many packages, from drugs, alcohol, sex, food, and money. Clients report long-term benefits from educational sessions learning about behavior and thinking patterns, how to alter perception, learning to validate self appropriately, finding and using positive effective coping skills, and exploring the self to build self-esteem, ambition, and improve quality of life. Clients work to become abstinent from substance use in hopes of working towards sobriety. Sobriety - completely changing thinking and behavior for long-term abstinence, genuine happiness, and positive relationships. Clients also enjoy the inclusion of mind-body techniques, nature, and active sessions upon request.
Family support and education sessions are for families and loved ones attempting to understand and cope with loved ones with addiction. Many families show concern for younger children or grandchildren in the household that may be affected. Clients have reported significant beneficial outcomes from sessions to understand family dysfunction, communication, understanding addiction, triggers, and enabling behaviors. Family members learn about the role they play in the addicted person's life and how addiction has influenced them. Sessions are supportive by providing a neutral, safe place to discuss feelings and thoughts without accusations or judgment. Clients benefit from learning how to improve communication, build stronger boundaries, create goals for change, address adolescent struggles, and use self-care techniques.
Let me be clear - this is NOT therapy. These sessions are educationally based and will include interaction with those in attendance. It may mirror therapy as learning takes place but is purely educational and emotionally supportive.
Consulting
What Would I Get from a Consultation?
Consulting is defined as giving expert advice to people or other professionals. Consultants may offer advice and give expert knowledge, including referrals or recommendations. My practice is eclectic and holistic by nature, meaning I address the person as a whole in various ways and, therefore, often include a wide variety of alternative and complementary treatments to address both mind and body. I am also highly supportive of self-care. I do offer supplement recommendations through Wellevate and suggest consulting your doctor before taking any supplements. However, I discuss these practices and benefits, as well as provide the manner in which to find professional expert literature and spend a great deal of time educating clients on such techniques or approaches. I offer some approaches, such as grounding techniques, guided meditation, body-oriented techniques, energy healing, crystals for healing, and sound therapy. These may be demonstrated or explored during a consult but do not include a full session.
With that said, consulting is a great way of getting an idea of the many approaches that may be right for you personally or professionally. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.