Frequently Asked questions

How do I know coaching will work for me? Are results guaranteed?

Technically, a coach can never guarantee that a client will get results. This is because while coaching can be a great tool for a lot of clients, a coach cannot go out and achieve a client’s goals for them. The guarantee I have for my clients in the Balance Builder program is that I will work with clients until they see desired results- even if it takes longer than the 12 weeks outlined in the program. If a client is willing to put in the work to accomplish a 30% stress reduction, I will not stop working with them until they do, and I will not ask them for extra money in the process.

Are coaches bound by confidentiality?

In my practice, confidentiality is guaranteed. At no point in the coaching process will I ever share your personal information with anyone else. I will never tell anyone your name, goals, personal details, or even the fact that you’re a client of mine. The only time I will ever share your personal information with anyone is in the (very unlikely) event of an emergency, when I will only share your information with the proper authorities to ensure your safety. Please note that this does not necessarily extend to any platform (such as this website) or any digital communications, as I cannot guarantee the security of a digital platform or communication. Unfortunately, leaks happen. But one will never originate with me.

The full confidentiality policy is shown here:

How do i know whether i need coaching or therapy?

This is part of what the 15- minute intake call addresses. As a coach, part of my role is to assess whether coaching is a good fit for you. While it may be a useful tool for people with a mental illness, it can never be used to treat that illness. During our intake call, we will talk about whether you primarily need help with your goals, or with your mental health. Together we will come to the best decision for you.

Can i see a coach instead of a therapist?

Coaching can be a powerful tool for people struggling with a mental illness. It should be noted that coaching is not intended (or proven) to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or mental illness. If you need therapy, get a therapist. But if you still think coaching would be helpful, pursue coaching.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

While coaching and therapy may seem similar, the methods of each one are different. Coaching is a goal- based relationship that is intended to help you achieve your goals. Therapy is (usually) a diagnostic process, where a therapist identifies symptoms, makes a diagnosis, and treats a mental illness.

Will I get my money back if I don’t receive results, or am unsatisfied with my coaching?

Usually no, but it depends on the circumstances and which aspect of coaching you are dissatisfied with. As results are never guaranteed in the coaching relationship, refunds are not given out because clients haven’t seen results. Refunds are available if the coaching session never happened or was cancelled, or some harm was caused to the client during or because of the session. Please note that all refund requests are handled in good faith on a case- by- case basis by the coach. More details are available in the coaching agreement which is signed at the beginning of the coaching relationship.

Is Coaching similar to therapy or counseling?

While it may seem similar to therapy and counseling, coaching relies on a different method. Therapy is typically (although not always) a diagnostic process. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. The coaching relationship is goal- based, and coaches are trained to help people adjust their mindsets and habits to create better lives for themselves.

How are coaches trained and qualified?

Life Coaching is an unregulated industry in the U.S., which means there is no minimum level of training one must go through to work as a coach. Many coaches complete their training online or in person. Most coaches receive a certification, although some universities offer college degrees in life coaching.

A lot of life coaches are sketchy. How do I know if a coach is scamming me or if they’re legit?

Unfortunately, this is a very real question a lot of new clients have. Often when people ask me what coaches do, they’re trying to figure out whether coaching is a total scam. In short, (and I promise I’m not trying to throw shade at any one coach, it’s just a trend in the industry) some coaches are narcissistic and/or poorly trained. These coaches are not in a position to help clients reach their goals, since they are not psychologically healthy or properly trained to do so. In general, there’s several factors that can help you figure out whether a coach is scamming you. If they have a “guarantee” of results on their website, they’re probably not being straightforward with you. If they promise that coaching will treat a mental health condition you’re experiencing, that’s also potentially a red flag, since coaching is not designed to treat mental illness. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If their rates are abnormally high or low, or the coaching agreement is not clearly laid out on paper, there might be some red flags. If you come out of a coaching session with an icky feeling and don’t feel like they’re really listening to you, and are just there to take your money, chances are they probably are. Always listen to your gut. A good coach will make you feel heard, seen.and supported. If they’re not doing that, you might want to take your business elsewhere.

How do coaches know what decisions i should make to achieve my goals?

We don’t. In the coaching relationship, the expert is always the client. The client comes up with the tools, strategies and solutions that they wish to implement. The expertise never comes from the coach. We aren’t here to tell you what to do with your lives. We’re here to support you while you change them.