What is the difference between Therapy and Life Coaching?

The therapeutic process typically involves strategic mental and emotional processing that aims to assess, diagnose and treat problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Therapy is an in depth process that can either be short or long-term. Therapists typically engage their clients in psychoanalysis to conceptualize the root of client issues. A psychoanalysis can involve behavioral observation, interviews and/or assessment measures focused on developmental history, childhood, trauma history, medical history, family background, substance use, sexual/relational functioning, etc. Therapists are also healthcare providers with HIPAA regulated licenses that require them to approach treatment in a strategic and specific way.  

Coaching can also be an in depth process that involves information gathering, mental and emotional processing as well as giving clients advice. However, coaching is not intended to diagnose or treat any underlying mental/emotional or substance use disorders. Coaching is a targeted, goal oriented approach that can be either short or long-term. Coaches are less likely to psychoanalyze client issues unless they are qualified to do so and it is for the purpose of facilitating a referral to therapy. Coaching can aid in relationship building and stress relief, which some perceive as a therapeutic benefit. However, coaching is not therapy. Some clients benefit from seeing a mental health professional while also working with a life coach. If this is an option for you a life coach can provide good resources! 

How do I choose between therapy and life coaching?

Therapy clients may be in a state of being that prevents them from accessing the thoughts, energy and motivation necessary to change. Therefore, therapy may be a better option to help clients dig deeper into their issues to develop a treatment plan tailored to their mental health needs and goals. Coaching clients may feel more prepared to change their current habits in order to execute the plan established with their coach. Life coaching can also be a pathway to therapy for clients who have never received support around mental, emotional, behavioral and/or relationship issues. Therapy services may be more appropriate for clients struggling with issues specific to anxiety, depression and/or trauma. However, Voice Mind Counseling LLC is owned by a licensed mental health counselor that can help in deciding on the best service option. 

Can I bill my insurance for Life Coaching Services?

No. Life coaching services are not billable through insurance. Solely private pay (out of pocket) is accepted. At Voice Mind Counseling LLC we do not bill any insurance (even for therapy clients) but therapy clients are able to receive out of network benefits, an option not available to coaching clients. All clients pay service fees by debit/credit card. 

Are there a certain amount of sessions I have to do in order to benefit from life coaching? 

Life coaching is different from therapy in the sense that regular scheduled sessions are not a requirement. However, it is recommended that coaching clients work with their life coach to develop a schedule that is most conducive to the client achieving their unique goals. Typically, coaching clients meet with their coach on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. 

How does a Life Coach approach confidentiality?

Here at Voice Mind Counseling LLC we believe that the life coaching relationship is personal and confidential. Therefore, we will not disclose that you are involved in any services at our agency unless there are serious safety concerns that require disclosure of personal information in order to keep you and others safe. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality please discuss with your life coach.