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Download the Coaching Professional Disclosure Statement
Many people are choosing coaching services over therapy to help with their life situations. Such as life coaching, health and wellness coaching or relationship coaching. Elizabeth Hartshorn is a nationally certified Circle of Life Health and Wellness Coach. Her belief is that most life transitions and situations benefit greater from coaching session rather than therapy. Below are some commonly asked questions in regard to coaching vs. counseling or therapy.
1. What's the difference between therapy and coaching?
The main distinction between therapy and coaching is that therapy treats DSM-IV diagnosable disorders; ( Bipolar Disorder, Chemical Dependency, Major Depression, Trauma, Anxiety Disorders etc.) coaching does not. Instead, coaching involves helping another person identify and take action toward centrally important professional and/or personal goals. Coaching presumes one is doing many things well and now wants to do even better. You may feel "depressed" have a low mood, feel anxious etc, but it is clearly identified to a life situation such as unfulfilling work, relationships or unhealthy lifestyle. As opposed to a clinical mental health diagnosis that despite life changes, the depression does not go away and interferes in all areas of ones life. Often times the coaching client will identify themselves ad feeling "stuck" and dissatisfied. Together we will decide if therapy or coaching is best for you. We cannot do both.
As a Coach, I believes that YOU are the expert, not me! You decide what you want to focus on. My job is to help you find your truth and identify the answers that lie deep within you . Together we will choose the path you want to take on your journey. How will get you there? What tools will you need? How will you know when you have arrived? Coaches ask lots of powerful questions to help you find your own answers. We never ask why.
In coaching we are full force focused forward! Therefore, we do not focus on the past, instead we focus on where you are today and where you want to go. We can get started right away, no matter what your schedule looks like. We can even do coaching through email, letters, tele-coaching groups and over the phone. For busy professionals this is appealing. Additionally with coaching we are not typically limited to the amount of time we spend together. Coaching sessions are so powerful they can last from 15 minutes on the phone or up to 90 minutes face to face.
2. How do I choose a Coach?
Unfortunately today anyone can call themselves a coach. It's best that you find a coach that is certified through the International Coach Federation and has completed the competencies required for certification.
Hire a coach that is also a licensed counselor, social worker or psychologist that has acquired additional coaching training and certification through the International Coaching Federation. The ICF in my opinion is the "Gold Standard". Licensed therapist and counselors must adhere to a higher standard of ethics and we are governed by state and Federal laws. In Oregon there is currently no regulation on coaches. With a licensed therapist as your coach, Your confidentiality is ensured. Additionally, many non licensed coaches are not eligible to receive malpractice insurance. Licensed therapists are required to maintain professional liability insurance. They have studied the art of counseling for many years and most counseling skills transfer to coaching. Counselors that practice solution focused counseling, Gestalt, and Positive Psychology tend to make an easier transition from therapy to coaching. Sometimes coaches have clients that have been so delighted with their coaching experience they may offer to provide a reference. Ask the coach if they have any references. Good coaches have successful clients!
3. How much does it cost?
A coaching session is $2.00 per minute. Basically, the same cost as counseling. Most clients recieve 6 weekly sessions followed by bi - weekly then monthly and then as needed. Telephone coaching sessions are billed at the same rate. One of the benefits of coaching is there is no record with your insurance company or health care provider unless you want to release it and authorize the information to be released in writing.
Another coaching method is group coaching. It is more cost effective and you benefit from the wisdom of others in the group. Full Circle Counseling offers the following groups and wellness classes. Most group coaching sessions last 90 minutes, meet about 6-8 times and cost about $55 per group session. | 
