Therapy or coaching — which is the right fit for you?

I offer both services, and while they have some similarities and overlap, they serve different purposes for different individuals.

Let’s talk about the main distinctions between therapy and coaching in my practice.

Therapy Focus

In therapy, we work from a diagnosis and treatment model exploring the symptoms that are impacting your everyday life. In therapy, we explore your past experiences, identify your thinking patterns and behavior patterns to develope coping strategies so you can begin to repair and heal.

Coaching Focus

In coaching, we do not work from a diagnosis and treat model. We identify your future goals, what is holding you back from achieving them, and ways we can clear these blocks and move through them. Coaching is more forward focus, action oriented with commitment and accountability, so it is for those who are ready to take big and bold steps forward.

Therapy Modalities

In traditional therapy, the primary form of treatment is Western medicine modalities, such as “talk therapy.” I believe that talk therapy is important, but alone is not enough. I take a cognitive behavioral approach from a trauma-informed lens and gently guide you to connect to your body. I lean upon my skills and training in Lifespan Integration, EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS techniques while incorporating mindfulness and self-compassion teachings.

Coaching Modalities

Through coaching, we have even more freedom for inner exploration and self-discovery. My coaching program takes a holistic approach to healing that serves the mind, body, and soul. My practice is a unique blend of psychology, spirituality, and the energetic realm of healing. It infuses compassionate inquiry with more diverse modalities that lead to discovery, transformation, and empowerment.

Therapy Diagnosis

Traditional therapy requires a specific diagnosis (for example, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder). Coming from a background in chronic mental health, I understand the importance of a diagnosis. When your mental health has a serious and acute impact on your everyday life, a diagnosis and intense treatment are not only called for, but necessary.

Coaching Diagnosis

For many of my clients dealing with the everyday stress, anxiety, and overwhelm of today’s world, I feel that simply putting a label on them is counterproductive. We are all human, and we all experience a wide range of human emotions — from feelings of sadness to anxiety, frustration, anger, fear, and judgement. We are complex beings, and these emotions exist within all of us. As a coach, my job is to hold space for these feelings, not label or diagnose them but to help you understand them so you can move forward in getting to know your authentic self.

Therapy Education

Becoming a licensed practicing therapist requires a Master’s degree at minimum and a specific amount of supervised clinical practice.

I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I am a Diplomat of Comprehensive Energy Psychology, a certified Lifespan Integration therapist, trained in EMDR, CIMBS, Brainspotting and have extensive study in IFS therapy. I am a certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist and provide assisted Psychedelic Integration work.

Coaching Education

I passionately believe in continued education for both modalities. To build upon my clinical knowledge, I am a certified Social+Emotional intelligence coach, certified breathwork and energy psychology practitioner with extensive studies in mind-body-soul healing. I am certified in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and provide Psychedelic Integration. I studied Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Mate and lean upon his teachings to guide our work.

Coaching doesn’t require any specific certifications, however coaches can complete voluntary education and certifications to enrich their work.

Therapy Payment

Therapy can be paid for privately or covered by health insurance. I am a considered an out-of-network provider and each session is paid for privately. If we work together in the capacity of therapist/client and you would like to utilize your insurance benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Under the law, the No Surprises Act (HR133, Title 45 Section 149.610), health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Coaching Payment

Coaching is a private pay investment that you make in yourself.

Therapy Regulations

Therapy is regulated at both the state and federal levels, while coaching is not. Therapists can only practice in the state or states that they are licensed, and virtual therapy across state lines is limited or restricted depending on state regulations. This is to ensure that a therapist can intervene if a client is in danger of harming themselves or others.

Whether I am offering therapy or coaching, I encourage clients struggling with suicidality, self-harming, or significant clinical symptoms to seek help from a local, in-person therapist who can offer crisis support. I will offer referrals to local clinicians to ensure you receive the care you need.

If immediate support is needed, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Coaching Regulations

Coaching is not a regulated profession. However, working with a coach with in-depth knowledge and training in their field is strongly advised.

Still not sure which is right for you?

Let’s schedule a complimentary clarity call and discuss it together.