What is the Difference Between a Clinical Life Coach vs a Life Coach?

The difference between a “Clinical” Coach and any other Life Coach is education and experience.  Not only did I go through an intensive training process to earn a Nationally Certification in Life Coaching, I am already certified as both a Counselor and Theripest.  Also, I have been practicing as a Counselor & Therapist for more than twenty years. After much consideration I decided to continue to hold my certifications but to practice as a Clinical Life Coach because as a Coach I am allowed to take a more involved roll in the life of my clients inorder to help them achieve their specific goals.  

Are You Licensed/Confidential?

I hold 4 Certifications, the first, as a Nationally Certified Clinical Life Coach through the INLP Center in California & the National Assiociation for Life Coaches. The second is a Certification as a Therapist through the Georgia Board of Examinors for Counselors and Theripests. and the third is a Certification as a Christian Therapist also through the Board of Examiners for Georgia Christian Counselors and Therapists. And the forth, being a Master Neurolinguistics Practitioner.

As for confidentiality, EVERYONE assiociated with the Toolbox is held to the same standards as every other mental health professional.  We hold ourselves to the highest of standards concerning your privacy and HIPPA standards. 

Why Do I Need Life Coaching?

It is my opinion that everyone, including myself, can benefit from the guidance of a educated individual who is supportive of you and your needs/goals but is outside of your everyday life so they are objective and transparent when it comes to addressing the issues of your life. 

What if Therapy Hasn’t Worked for Me Before?

Therapy has its limitations which is why I have chosen to leave clinical therapy behind and am working with individuals as a Coach.  Coaching opens up more avenues to address and deal with issues that aren’t’ available to a clinical therapist.  For example, if you want to get in shape but are intimidated by the gym as a Coach I could go to the gym with you to offer support and motivation where as a Clinical Therapist is not allowed to interact with you outside the clinical setting.

What are Tools?

Tools are what I call the interventions that I have collected over two decades of work in many aspects of the mental health field.  I don’t just use them in session, I work with you to personalize the tool and send it with you to be used in life.  And like any other tool you may not use them every day but you keep them in your toolbox so that you have them ready for when you do need them.  

Is There a Trial Period before Commitment?

The way I work with people is through the idea of an open ended contract.  This means that both the client or the coach can terminate the contract at any time, and you will only be responsible for the fees that were accrued up to the point of terminating treatment.  This means that fees are due at the time of service and no upfront cost for future sessions is required. 

How Much is this Going to Cost/Do You Take Insurance?

We work very hard to keep costs down and we do work on a sliding scale when legitimate needs arise.  We do not take insurance for several reasons which the top two are first, working with insurance companies actually pushes up the cost of treatment, and second, when working with insurance companies a diagnosis is required for reimbursement which remains on your permanent health record which can affect your life in a negative ways.

How Long Does this Process Take?

The Coaching process, not unlike traditional therapy, is subjective in duration to the individual, their goals, and a process we establish together.  Generally speaking, sessions are set up on a weekly basis for five to eight sessions at which point the Coach and the client discuss how to move forward. 

Does It Really Get Worse Before it Gets Better?

It has been my experience that having someone to listen to you and offer nonjudgmental support gives clients an immediate sense of relief knowing that someone is on their side and that a plan on how to move forward.  However, treatment can get intense when core issues are addressed and change begins to take place.  Change is difficult and this is why most need the aid of a coach or therapist.  

Does Christianity or Religion Have to be Involved?

When it comes to faith, absolutely nothing will be expected or forced upon you in the session. 

Do I Have to See You in Person?

My preference is to see clients face to face but video and phone sessions are available under certain circumstances.  

Do You Work in LBGTQ+?

Absolutely!  I work as an ally to the LGBTQ+ in all aspects of coaching offering nonjudgmental assistance for individual work as well as couples and family matters.