top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is life coaching and how is it different than therapy?

Therapy is an essential tool for those experiencing symptoms of mood disorders, such as prolonged anxiety or depression, that adversely impact their ability to function normally in day-to-day aspects of living, such as their relationships or work.

Coaching is different in that it assumes mostly stable psychological and emotional functioning, but a person may feel lost, discouraged, or unsure of how to identify key goals in their life, and how to pursue and achieve them with confidence and perseverance. In coaching, there is no mental health diagnosis or treatment, nor overlap with the medical system or the creation of a health record. Because both coaching and therapy are rooted in psychology and understanding human thinking, emotions, and behavior, there is some overlap and clinical psychologists are well-suited to both roles. 

How do I know if coaching is the right fit for me?

These are some of the indications you may benefit from life coaching:

  • the feeling you are in a rut in life

  • a sense of personal growth and fulfillment in life has plateaued

  • difficulty identifying goals

  • a pattern of goals not being met

  • a lack of sense of purpose in life

  • feeling you are trying hard but not getting results

  • persistent frustration with yourself and others 

  • fear of believing in yourself

  • fear of setting big goals

  • feeling your environment is in control of you, and you are constantly reacting to it rather than directing it

  • feeling like a spectator in life instead of a lead actor

  • a history of failed New Year's resolutions

  • feeling that you are being held back by past 'failures' (failures in inverted commas because that term warrants some cognitive restructuring for a growth-mindset)

  • discomfort with your sense of personal identity

  • the feeling that you could be better but also that no matter how much you try, you aren't getting better

What domains of life does coaching target?

My perspective is that there are many contributing factors to a sound mind that is focused and effective in executing desired behaviors. Some of the domains that coaching might address to optimize mental, emotional and physical well-being include:

  • self-discipline

  • relationships

  • a clear sense of purpose in life

  • physical exercise

  • good nutrition

  • sleep

  • mindfulness, flow, yoga and breathing practice

  • self-belief

  • identifying and correcting dysfunctional beliefs in general

  • knowing what you are doing and why, i.e., not following a life script that is based on others' or society's expectations

  • spiritual health

To clarify my role as a coaching psychologist here and as one example, I would not prescribe or lay out a recommended diet, but rather provide useful education that could be followed up with a nutritionist or explored with self-experimentation. My dissertation centered around the role of nutrients in mental health, so I do have some experience on this topic, as well as health coach training, however, there seems to be a fair bit of evidence that most folk's difficulties in adhering to a sound wellness routine are psychological/behavioral rather than an issue of food quality per se. Similarly, I would not prescribe or create an exercise program, but would address issues relating to the psychological aspects of maintaining and optimizing a sustainable routine. Most folks know exercise is a prerequisite for good health, yet many also fail to integrate this successfully into their lives.

Why see a coaching psychologist and not just a coach?

I do not mean to disparage or underestimate coaches here - there are some brilliant life coaches out there. Psychologists however go through 10-11 years of schooling and thousands of hours of training and clinical practice, learning to understand the mind and emotional landscape of individuals within complex family and social systems, which goes far beyond the observable behaviors that the less well-trained eye might pick up on. The psychological perspective thus lends itself to deeper and more durable behavior change that can last a lifetime. Incorporating an understanding of neuroscience and how the brain works is an added advantage that my type of coaching can leverage. 

If you think that you could benefit from any of the above strategies to realize your best potential, please reach out here for your free 15-30 minute initial consult:)

How do I know if I will get results from this coaching?

Truthfully, we don't - growth and success are ultimately on you. As a psychologist who practices what he preaches, however, and who maintains high standards of fitness, health, wellness, and mental serenity in my own life, I can help guide you through obstacles that have held you back in the past, making it far more likely you will achieve the breakthrough you seek. From my clinical experience as a psychologist, results are typically measurable, positive, and accrue with rapidity.

How are sessions conducted? 

Sessions are held over Zoom, so a stable internet connection is helpful. In the event that internet connectivity is very poor, telephone sessions can be used.

How are sessions scheduled?

Being that I also work in a clinic as a therapist, I do have to balance my availability; I do however have time slots allocated for coaching, and with virtual sessions, time zones and geography are much less restrictive. I am also available for some hours on the weekends. 

What about privacy and confidentiality?

In therapy, psychologists are governed by HIPAA laws which place strict mandates on sharing a client's personal information. There are a few exceptions to this in the case of a client whose safety is at imminent risk. In coaching, however, we are not dealing with mental health diagnoses and treatment, so HIPAA is not applicable. Your information however is kept confidential and not shared with anyone at all, unless for some unforeseen reason and only with your express written consent. In way of information, privacy is considered the right for the client to share or withhold any information they prefer, while confidentiality deals with information that has been shared with the counselor but cannot be shared beyond this without written consent. Again, these are less relevant issues in coaching, which is more oriented toward setting and achieving life goals. For all intents and purposes, your information is treated as if compliant with HIPAA-level confidence.

What can I expect in the sessions?

Coaching sessions will be more than just having a conversation, identifying goals, and strategizing how to achieve them, as well as removing or overcoming obstacles to achieving these goals. Sessions will be somewhat structured, and as appropriate, use assessment instruments to drill down on specific factors that allow for or impede success. There will be worksheets that are tailored to your needs that will constitute daily homework activities to ensure that your goals are in clear focus, as are the steps needed to be taken each day for advancing on those goals. The process is specific and structured so as to instill the type of thinking and habits that will facilitate maximal growth. Once the mindset and habits are ingrained, coaching is (hopefully) no longer necessary. How long this takes is variable, but my goal is for you to succeed independently as quickly as possible. This includes implementing a mindset that abolishes new-year's-resolution type thinking, and the yo-yo pattern of on-again-off-again success-failure oscillations. The plan is to develop a growth mindset that is impervious to adversity, that breaks through limitations, and does not quit until the goal is reached. 

​

 

 

bottom of page