Counseling
Counseling can be the catalyst for the change you want in your health, life and relationships. Each person who comes for counseling can expect to be met with understanding, insight and respect.
Often, when clients come for counseling, they find solutions and motivation for the challenges they face, and tools for the future. They discover things about themselves they didn’t know before, making them feel more resilient and confident.
Each client, whether couple, individual or child, can expect to receive therapeutic support based on the presenting needs, and a customized plan to address those needs.
Many people come to counseling for relief from a problem they are experiencing. As they begin to understand the problem in news ways, they feel more empowered and skilled to work through it with confidence.
Counseling Issues Addressed
- Individual Counseling: Grief and loss, anxiety, depression, assertiveness and boundaries, trauma, self-talk, relationship issues, pre- and post-divorce support
- Couples Counseling: Communication, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, boundaries, parenting, infidelity recovery
- Child Counseling: Anxiety, worry, adjustment difficulties, emotional regulation, relationship issues
- Adolescent Counseling: Individuals between 13 and 18 years of age experiencing anxiety, depression, social issues or performance pressures
Do I need Counseling or Coaching?
Because I am trained both as a counselor and coach, I am able to provide both services. However, there are some differences and limitations to both that I’ll explain here.
Counseling
Counseling is a therapeutic process that helps clients identify and resolve emotional and psychological problems that cause disordered functioning. To be diagnosed with anything, from diabetes to PTSD, one must have quantifiable symptoms that meet the criteria for the ailment. I, as a Mental Health Counselor am trained to treat some of the most common psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and trauma related disorders, as well as partner relationship problems.
Counseling Example
A person coming to me for counseling will most likely be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression related to relationship, work or past traumatic problems. Together, we will create a treatment plan and then we will work together to discover the cause of the distress, reduce the symptoms, gain insight, and solve the problems so she can get back to functioning well.
Coaching
Coaching, on the other hand, is not an adequate treatment for diagnosable disorders. Rather it should be used for goal achievement and support. Coaching, as a modality, is usually faster paced, forward looking, and thought provoking. Coaching helps its clients get out of their own way to attain the future, the relationships, the life the client wants.
Coaching Example
A person calling me for coaching will most likely be experiencing a current challenge in his/her relationship or work, and wants to work through the challenge in the best way possible. Maybe he/she wants to make some changes but needs help identifying the values, the rewards and consequences involved with each change. Coaching also gives the client a level of accountability and encouragement needed for forward progress.
Counseling and Coaching Similarities
Both Counseling and Coaching are great ways to gain perspective, brainstorm solutions to personal and professional challenges, identify and prioritize values, create a plan for success, garner individualized support, and feel better about life. Getting the support you through coaching or counseling is often just the thing you need to make the changes you want.
Limitations and Setting
Though I am I trained and experienced in both counseling and coaching, my clients must choose what method of support they would like. Since I am licensed to practice mental health counseling in the state of Washington, I only see counseling clients face to face within the state. However, since coaching is not a profession that requires state licensure, I am able to offer coaching to appropriate clients almost anywhere in the world by telephone.
Eastside Counseling and Coaching is a safe, trustworthy and discreet environment where you can discuss your concerns and find the help you need.