Coaching

What even is personal coaching?

Coaching is a powerful way of allying with someone as you identify goals for personal growth, develop emotional and interpersonal skills, and receive support and reflection as you put these new skills into practice. Some people use coaching for support while navigating important transitions in life (new job, new relationship, approaching retirement) while others create an opportunity to break out of old patterns and deepen their presence in their own lives at any time.

What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy is generally designed to address mental health challenges that have emerged in the course of life. Therapy tends to operate within the medical model, which seeks a diagnosis and then forms a treatment plan designed to address and relieve specific symptoms. If a client wants to access insurance benefits to pay for therapy, then it is required by the insurance company not only that the client meet symptom criteria for a mental illness as laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but that therapy be seen as “medically necessary” to address those symptoms.

For many people, this is an efficient and appropriate model for delivering services. However, others may find that the problems impacting their lives (unsatisfying relationships or lack of relationships, difficulty navigating complex social dynamics or life transitions, low self-confidence, etc) are not best served through the medical model. Some may find that support and skill-building can be crucial to making meaningful changes not in order to return to baseline functioning, but in order to escape their own limitations and become a healthier, happier, more confident version of themselves.

How do I know which is right for me?

If you are finding that you are experiencing distress marked by changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, uncontrollable worry or intrusive thoughts, and most importantly that your social or professional functioning is impaired by these symptoms, you may be well served by therapy. I am licensed to provide therapy to residents of Vermont, and if you want to learn more about what therapy might look like with me you can read more about that here.

If you feel that things are generally going well at this point but you are looking for how to develop or deepen your relationships, improve your communication skills, build your self-confidence, or find another strategy to uncover your best self, coaching may be just the thing for you. Because coaching isn’t limited by state licensure, I am able to work with coaching clients anywhere in the country.

If you’re not sure which is right for you or want to learn more about either approach, just reach out and we can figure it out together.

How do I know if you are right for me?

Fair and important question! My specialty is in personal growth: specifically around building mindfulness skills, improving relationship skills, and deepening self-confidence and self-compassion. Mindfulness skills have been shown to lead to countless health benefits (relieving stress, improving heart disease, lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain, improving sleep, and alleviating gastrointestinal difficulties). In addition, research shows that many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others (according to Harvard Health). As a result, building these skills creates a strong foundation for growth, change, and compassion towards yourself and others throughout the process.

My approach often starts with mindfulness but is likely to also draw on my background teaching cognitive, dialectical, communication, and interpersonal skills. My style tends towards being grounded, pragmatic, curious, and compassionate, and will always adapt to you and your needs while remaining anchored in the evidence base for interventions that support positive change. I can provide accountability, structure, skills, and resources, but you will be the one putting it all into practice. There is a saying that therapy is what happens between sessions, and the same goes for coaching.

If you would like to find a time to connect for 20-30 minutes and get a sense of whether we might be a good fit to undertake the work that is most important to you, reach out and we can set up a time to talk.