Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is coaching?

Coaching is a partnership of equals where clients explore their ways of thinking with the help of
reflective inquiry. Unlike therapy, where the therapist assumes the role of an expert as a mental
health professional, a coach partners with you as an equal and uses tools to help you explore
your thoughts and perspectives.

                  What is the difference between a therapist and a coach?

 

Therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental illness.
Coaches, while trained to recognize when a referral to a therapist is necessary, are not licensed
to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Coaches use tools and reflective inquiry
techniques tailored to their training style. Click here to learn more about my coaching style.

 

What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

Coaching assumes the client is mentally healthy and ready to move forward, focusing on goals
and action. Therapy, on the other hand, often delves into past traumas or addresses current
mental health conditions to promote healing.

How do I know whether I need therapy or coaching?

The decision between coaching and therapy depends on your current needs and goals:

● Choose coaching if you are feeling mentally healthy and ready to focus on achieving
specific goals, improving performance, or making progress in your personal or
professional life. Coaching is action-oriented and future-focused.

● Choose therapy if you are dealing with unresolved trauma, mental health challenges, or
emotional struggles. Therapy provides a space to heal and work through deeper issues
with a licensed mental health professional.

It’s important to note that coaching and therapy aren’t mutually exclusive—you can benefit from
both simultaneously. If you're unsure which path is right for you, consider scheduling
consultations with both a coach and a therapist. I’d be happy to discuss your situation and help
you explore whether coaching could be the right fit.

Can insurance cover coaching?

Unfortunately, coaching isn’t covered by insurance. If you’re in a unique financial situation,
please reach out to me to learn more about my sliding scale. In specific cases, I offer a limited
number of pro bono coaching sessions. Click here to submit a request.

How long do you work with a client?

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Even a single coaching session can be impactful, especially for specific purposes. However, most of my clients work with me over longer periods to achieve their desired outcomes. Typically, I partner with clients on a 3-month basis, meeting weekly for 12 weeks, and we evaluate progress along the way. Click here to read examples of what my clients are working on.

What kinds of problems do you solve for your clients?

The outcomes of coaching vary greatly from person to person. In general, I help my clients feel
more in control of the challenges they bring to our sessions. Click here to read real-life
examples of the topics my clients and I work on.

What are your qualifications?

The coaching industry’s unregulated nature can make it challenging to identify truly qualified
coaches. That’s why I prioritize transparency about my credentials. I am certified through
Martha Beck, Inc., a highly regarded, ICF accredited coach training program, and hold an
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
The ICF is the leading global organization for coaching standards, ensuring its certified coaches
adhere to rigorous training, ethical guidelines, and core competencies. My training and
certification reflect my commitment to providing professional, effective, and ethical coaching
support. I am always learning through continuing education to renew my certification in 2025.

 

Is there a government body that regulates the coaching industry?

No, there is currently no government body that regulates the coaching industry. Unlike fields
such as healthcare or law, coaching is not subject to government licensing or standardized
oversight. This lack of regulation means anyone can label themselves a coach, regardless of
their training or qualifications.

In the absence of government regulation, organizations like the International Coaching
Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) have stepped in
to create voluntary standards for training, ethics, and professional conduct. While these
organizations provide valuable benchmarks, their certifications are not legally required and rely
on industry self-regulation.

For clients, this underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting potential coaches, including
reviewing their credentials, training background, and adherence to established ethical
frameworks.

How do I know if you’re the right coach for me?

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Most coaches offer a discovery or consultation session, and I recommend speaking with at least
three coaches before deciding. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics, such as phrases like “pull
the trigger,” “make a decision now,” or “invest in yourself.” Instead, look for feelings of certainty,
clarity, hope, and trust during your conversations. While deep trust develops over time, you

should feel some initial sense of connection with the coach. Also, ask about their certifications
and examples of how they’ve helped other clients.

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