Relationship Coaching

I'm often asked what is the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching. While a lot has been written by those practicing under each of these labels, I believe that it is the client who self-identifies with which practitioner or title appeals to him or her. For years, therapy and counseling have been viewed as something for people with "mental problems." This stigma has prevented many people with perfectly normal reactions to the stressors of everyday life from getting help.

Life Coaches are relatively new on the "helping profession" scene. Coaches are generally seen as providing services to healthy, functional, successful people who want support in pursuing their goals. In fact, the International Coach Federation defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." As a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, I believe what I do fits with this definition of coaching completely!

 So, I have used the words therapy, counseling, and coaching interchangeably in describing my services and what I do. The important thing is that I personalize my services to meet your needs. If you feel more comfortable going to therapy, so be it. If doing counseling fits your style, we do that. If the stigma of therapy or counseling seems not for you, then call me your coach!