subject: What is counseling and personal coaching? [print this page] What is counseling and personal coaching?
What is counseling?
Counseling (Mental Health) is a dynamic, holistic, strengths-based and psycho-educational discipline grounded in Developmental Theory with underpinnings in prevention and wellness.
The counselor's focus on personal problems goes beyond treating dysfunction or pathology to addressing client self-awareness, personal growth and wellness.
Counselors are able to be objective, serving as skilled listeners who help you to clarify issues, discover feelings and deal effectively with problems.
Kairos Moments, LLC believes that people should fulfill their God given potential. Guidance can come from life coaches, counselors or psychotherapists. One of the most frequently asked questions is what is the difference between coaching and counseling?
According to the Guide to Psychology and it's Practice, counseling psychology "focuses on helping persons resolve problems or role issues related to work, school, or family matters." Life coaches focus on enhancing the lives of clients by often talking about balance, goal-setting and 'integrating' one's life. Also, life coaching is not considered a mental health service per se and is therefore not reimbursable by health insurance.
Here are some additional questions often asked about Coaching:
How do I start the life coaching process?
Contact us to schedule an appointment. This session will form the foundation of our work to follow. Our initial discussion will explore values, focus areas and goals. During this conversation, we will decide what kind of schedule would work best for you. All coaching is conveniently handled over the telephone.
How much does life coaching cost?
Life coaching services and programs range from $100 to $300 per month, depending on the number and length of the sessions. Typical clients receive life coaching for 2 hours a month, divided up into either (4) 30 minute sessions or (3) 45 minute sessions. Services are flexible and can accommodate the wishes and needs of clients. Fees are paid upfront on a monthly basis. It is important to understand that coaching can pay for itself in increased productivity and quality of life.
How long does personal life coaching take?
Clients are encouraged to make a three month commitment to the coaching to give it a full chance to demonstrate its effectiveness. The coaching could last three months or it may continue on. You will know when it is time to end.
Are you a certified life coach?
Certification is not required for life coaching at this time.
What are the advantages to working with a life coach whose background is in counseling?
I have over 10 years of counseling experience, and I really understand how to connect with people as they seek to improve their lives. I am sincere, non-judgmental and possess sensitivity and insight which benefits my clients. As a personal life coach, I help you find your own answers, recognizing people are more likely to take action if it is something they themselves have come up with and not been told to do.
Here are some additional questions often asked about Counseling:
What is counseling? (replace with revised response reflected above!!)
Counseling - or psychotherapy - is a professional relationship that focuses on personal problems. The field has it's foundations in a medical model, using diagnosis. Counselors are able to be objective, serving as skilled listeners who help you to clarify issues, discover feelings and deal effectively with problems.
How long does counseling usually last?
Length of counseling varies. Some problems lend themselves to a one or two session consultation. Others require a series of appointments, the length to be decided by you and your counselor.
What kinds of issues are addressed in counseling?
Here is a partial list of common student concerns that could be addressed in counseling:
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Alcohol or drugs
Eating concerns
Academic anxieties
Relationship problems
Family problems
Suicidal thoughts
Sexual concerns
Identity concerns
How private is my meeting with a counselor?
Counseling services are confidential. However, in case of a life-threatening emergency or suspected child abuse, the State of Maryland requires information be appropriately reported.
Other than speaking one-to-one with a counselor, how can I address my concerns?
Sometimes a problem is better addressed through group counseling than individual appointments. Talking to others who have had similar experiences provides support and perspective. A counseling group can be powerfully healing. Kairos Moments periodically forms groups to address specific areas.
