What’s the difference between Therapy, Counseling, Psychotherapy, and Coaching?
Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Counseling are often used interchangeably. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) typically work with couples and families, while Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) focus on individuals. However, practices often overlap, as MFTs may see individuals and LMHCs may work with couples.
Regardless of the term used, therapy aims to alleviate mental health distress through various techniques, and practitioners often diagnose clients. Therapists/Counselors can only see clients within the states they are licensed in, and clients must be physically present in those states during sessions.
Coaching differs in that it is more goal-oriented, directive, and does not involve a diagnosis. While Coaches cannot act as Therapists/Counselors, licensed Therapists/Counselors can offer coaching. Coaching is unregulated, allowing clients to work with coaches across state lines, and sessions can be held remotely from anywhere with Wi-Fi.
Where is the office located?
I offer telehealth only, so our “office” will be anywhere within the state of Washington (if you’re a Counseling client) and anywhere you have Wi-Fi (if you’re a Coaching client). I do ask that you be somewhere private and safe. This means no sessions while you’re driving or hanging out with friends.
Do I have to have my camera on during the session?
Yes. One of the most important parts of Counseling and Coaching is the rapport we establish. Being able to see each other and our reactions is essential to building an alliance together. It also allows us to be fully present during the session. We’ll be able to see that we’re both paying attention and not doing dishes or playing on our phones. Counseling and Coaching work when we do, so being focused on the session is the only way to do it.
How long is a typical session?
Fifty minutes. If you are more than ten minutes late for the session, I consider it a no-show/cancellation. Also, if you’re late to the session, we don’t make up the time at the end. This way, I’m able to maintain my schedule with other clients and not have the day thrown off.
Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?
I offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours of your session, you will be charged the full fee for your session.
How do I pay?
I accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and Ivy Pay. I keep your card on file, and you will be billed 24 hours before your session. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed having payment happen before sessions because then no session time is spent dealing with it, and we can focus on you and your needs.
Do you accept insurance? Can you help me file my insurance?
No, and no. I don’t interact with insurance at all. If you’re using your out-of-network options, I can provide you with a Superbill. If they ask you for specific paperwork, I can give you your records, but I don’t call, email, or talk to insurance companies. Also, a Superbill is not a reimbursement guarantee, so I highly recommend checking with your insurance beforehand if that’s something you’d like to work with.
What do I do to get started?
First, call/text/email me to set up a free 15-minute consultation! This will let us see if we’re a good fit for each other. If we decide to move forward, we can schedule our first session during this time.
Who do you work with?
I work with adult individuals of all genders and backgrounds. I have had clients from every walk of life, including LGBTQIA, diverse ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. We don’t have to share the same beliefs to do good work together, but I do insist on our sessions being free from hate. I find the amount of compassion we have for others directly correlates with how much we have for ourselves.
How long will I be in Counseling/Coaching?
As long as you need. Reasons for coming to Counseling or Coaching are as varied as the clients themselves. Some people come in weekly for years, while others come in on an as-needed basis. It’s really about what is best for you and your situation, and that’s something we can discuss as rarely or as often as you’d like.
Do I have to tell you everything?
No. These sessions are about you. You always have the power to tell me you’d rather not talk about something or even that you’d like to talk about something specific but at a later time. I’ve had clients who know there is something they need to address, but they aren’t ready right then, so we table it and come back later when they have the capacity. I am not your boss. I’m your companion. This means that you won’t get in trouble for telling me no or asking that we focus on one thing over another. That said, the more we get to know and trust each other, the more I’ll be able to help, but this process takes time.
Have you been in Counseling or Coaching yourself?
Yes! I have experienced both modalities and found them helpful in their own ways. I’m currently seeing a wonderful therapist, whom you may hear me refer to in session as your grand-therapist. It’s like Ram Dass says: “We’re all just walking each other home.”
Do you prescribe medications?
No, but I can refer out as needed.
What are your credentials and background?
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of Washington and a Certified Life Coach everywhere else. I graduated with Honors and received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University in Seattle, where I was a member of the ACHS Certified Honor Society Chi Sigma Iota: Omega Mu-Gamma chapter (if I can be honest, I mainly joined because the acronym was CSI:OMG… I mean, can you blame me?).
Do you take notes?
Yes. During sessions, you may see me jot something down, so I remember to come back to it, and I also keep a record of our sessions together. I believe in transparency, so if you’d ever like to see what I’m writing or have access to your records, don’t hesitate to ask. Also, I’m on your team even after we’ve stopped working together. This means that any notes I’ve saved about you are secure and HIPAA compliant and that I don’t write down anything that could hurt you in the future. Again, I believe in transparency, so if you ever have any questions, let me know.
Do you think about clients in between sessions or think about former clients?
Yes, all the time. This is deeply personal work, and the bonds we create in session can last a lifetime. The way I see it, you have me in your corner for life. Even if we’re not seeing each other anymore, I’m still rooting for you and wishing you well.
Can I follow you on social media?
No, I don’t currently have professional social media. I’m also careful to keep my personal and professional relationships separate, so I don’t accept any friends or follow requests from clients.
Can I bring people to the session with me?
As tempting as it may be to bring someone we’ve talked about into session so I can see how they are firsthand, I have to say no. I work with individuals, and I find having other people either in the room or even within hearing distance can be limiting to our work. Also, I trust you. There’s no need to prove that what you’re experiencing is really happening. I believe you.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
You’re welcome to ask, but I can’t guarantee I’ll answer. A lot of the people that come to me are caretakers in their own lives. I’ve found that the less they know about me, the less likely they are to feel the need to take care of me. That said, I’m an open book. So when I feel it’s appropriate, I’ll answer; if I don’t feel it’s appropriate, I’ll explain why.
Any brand recommendations for tissues?
I’ve recently gotten into Bamboo paper because it’s more sustainable for the planet. I like Cloud Paper for everything from tissue to toilet paper and paper towels, but I’m sure there are other companies that are just as good. The main thing is comfort. We tend to talk about some heavy topics, and so whatever you choose, you want it to be something that helps you while not taking you out of the moment (e.g., no Brillo pads).
Any app recommendations?
I really like the Sleep Cycle app for iPhone. I find that what’s measured is managed. Sleep is one of the biggest ways our bodies release Cortisol, the stress hormone, so I like to track my sleep and adjust as needed. I also really like The Tapping Solution for iPhone. It’s basically a guided meditation that involves tapping along energy points. I have trouble with just meditation, and I find that having something to go along with physically keeps me focused and in the moment.
How is the Employee of the Month selected?
This is a very rigorous process that involves everything from obstacle courses and feats of strength to caring and general cuteness. So often, we focus on the things that aren’t going well, and I think it is as important, if not more so, to tip the scales toward the good as well. Because of this, I give credit where credit is due, and the overall year’s winner gets a special Employee of the Year prize. Stay tuned.
