Coaching vs Counseling

In both, I focus on helping couples and individuals work through their issues in ways that direct them toward healing.

In both, I invest in knowing my clients and helping them gain insight into current patterns and clarity of future change.

In both, I direct recommended steps toward change, often in the form of exercises to be completed outside of sessions.

Both services are managed through the same secure client portal system.

The per-session rate for both services is the same.

Coaching services are intended as an alternative for people who do not live in Indiana.

Coaching is a conversation with a professional, but records and files I keep are typically less comprehensive than with counseling clients.

Coaching sessions are not reimbursed by insurance. Although I do not bill insurance providers directly, Indiana residents may be able to submit their bills for partial reimbursement if their policy allows.

Coaching focuses on advice, education, and skill-building to help an individual or couple. I will not diagnose you. If issues being addressed go beyond the scope of coaching (especially if there is a need for in-office therapy or the use of tools appropriate for counseling), I will recommend that you seek help from a counselor in your area.

Although I follow the same ethical standards in coaching as I do in counseling, there is a difference in how the counseling profession views those roles. Coaching sessions would not be bound by the same privacy standards as therapy. (Although we view confidentiality the same in both counseling and coaching, a court may not.) Coaching does not carry the same level of responsibility as counseling (to pass you to another caregiver if necessary, for example). In all, counseling requires a higher degree of responsibility for the therapist than coaching does for the coach. but I approach both roles with the same sense of professional duty.

As part of the coaching process, I may recommend interaction with someone other than myself. This may be another counselor or an individual/couple I believe will provide additional help in your specific situation. You will always know this ahead of time, not “surprised” to find yourself interacting with someone other than me.