What is therapy?

I have been a psychotherapist since 1986. I continue to see clients in therapy who are referred and who are more appropriate for counseling than for coaching.

WHAT IS THERAPY?

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional problems and disorders through the use of psychological techniques. These methods are designed to encourage communication, provide support, transmute trauma, resolve problems, provide insight and lead to relief of symptoms. The client works on changing behaviors in more positive and effective ways, thus leading to improved personal, family, social and vocational functioning, as well as individual growth. When a person feels relieved of the symptoms that brought them in, and when they desire to move forward in their dreams and goals, they are often a good candidate for coaching.

How do I know whether I need therapy or coaching?

Many people have come to me for therapy who could benefit just as easily from coaching. They are well-functioning but just have an area of life in which they need support to explore options, gain skills or be held accountable for the steps they want to take toward their goal. In contrast, many who come for therapy need of a different type of assistance in dealing with depression, anger management, anxiety and other disorders.

What are the differences between coaching and therapy?

Therapy helps people get back to functioning and satisfaction. Coaching moves people to fulfillment and joy.

Therapy	Coaching
Relieves pain	Attains specific goals
Past oriented	Present & future oriented
Delves deep	Moves one forward
Crisis	Enrichment
Therapist is often viewed as an expert	Coach is an equal partner
Therapist is nurturing	Coach is challenging, directive, action-oriented
Therapy helps people function better in many areas of life while increasing awareness and choice.	Coaching moves well-functioning people to greater fulfillment, joy and success.

In general, insurance plans don't cover coaching but they do cover needed and medically based therapy. For more information on coaching, please read What is Coaching?

In my therapy practice I have seen most problems you can imagine. . I do work with individuals, couples and families on many topics such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, work difficulties, communication skills, conflict resolution, marital and relationship issues, divorce, parenting and many other topics. I don't work with addictions or severe mental illness, but I can recommend specialists in those areas

IF YOU'RE UNCERTAIN , PLEASE CALL FOR A CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS WHETHER THERAPY OR COACHING IS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.

To schedule a THERAPY session, please call my office at (303) 440-4234.

"Thank you so much for all your wonderful help, clarity and strategies. You helped me so much. I think you are a wonderful person and therapist." ~ Mary