Coaching and psychotherapy are both processes for change facilitated by a helping professional.

Psychotherapy is a deeply meaningful process that helps to treat mood disorders and a variety of mental health issues with significant symptoms. It is considered part of mental health treatment which is part of overall health. Therefore, when medically necessary it is covered by health insurance.  Psychotherapy takes place in person, generally in a therapist's office. It is a process where past trauma can be resolved so that it no longer gets activated in the present. At times, attention is paid to the past in order to understand the origin of certain patterns of relationship so that more conscious choices can be made in the present. Skills are developed to manage mood issues such as depression and anxiety. Coaching techniques can be incorporated into psychotherapy.

Coaching does not treat mental health diagnoses and therefore is not a substitute for psychotherapy. Coaching is a different process that focuses primarily on the present and future.  The coaching relationship is co-created to match the needs of a given individual.  With your coach, you decide on the focus, your goals, the steps to reach your goals, and your structures for accountability. The coaching relationship is there to help you reach your goals and feel more fulfilled. There are times when a person can work with a psychotherapist and a coach but they are generally two different helping professionals. Because coaching is not a health service, it is paid for by the individual.

Both coaching and psychotherapy are effective processes of change. The important issue is to use the correct tool depending on your needs.

I would be happy to consult with you on what will be most helpful to you.

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.      Anatole France, 1844-1924