Therapy is meeting with a trained clinical professional to discuss problematic behaviors, thoughts, or feelings you are experiencing. Therapy is always confidential and information shared during sessions is protected by privacy laws. During our first session, we will discuss the current problem, including timeline, severity, and symptoms. I will help guide the conversation to better understand your unique life experience and what patterns have developed that may be interfering with your wellbeing (i.e. quality of sleep, eating patterns, relationships, work, school, physical health, enjoyment of life, and/or finances). After the assessment period, you and I will review a treatment plan outlining your goals for therapy and interventions I plan to use to meet your goals. I will always treat you with respect and kindness. I will be someone who supports you, listens attentively, gives you feedback, challenges you, and above all follows ethical guidelines of therapy practice.

Virtual therapy is therapy that takes place via a HIPPA compliant video chat platform that can be used on a computer, phone, or tablet. Virtual therapy allows you to seek treatment in the comfort of your home without having to travel to see a therapist in person. For many of my clients they find this format to be incredibly convenient, comfortable, and effective. Several studies have found virtual therapy to be just as effective as in person therapy. Virtual therapy allows you to create a safe and comfortable therapy space that’s on your own terms. Maybe you are wrapped in your cozy blanket or make yourself a cup of tea to sip during your session. Having virtual therapy means you get to decide where you are and how you customize your environment. Virtual therapy can even create a deepened sense of intimacy between you and your therapist. It gives you the opportunity to share your home with your therapist. You might show them meaningful things in your room, photographs, or artwork on your wall. If your therapist is also working from their home, you have the opportunity to see a window into their life. Another benefit of teletherapy is that it allows for continuity. If you can meet over video, there is a level of flexibility built-in that may allow you to meet with your therapist more regularly. Some of the common reasons you might typically need to cancel may no longer be present since you can “bring your therapist with you” if you need to travel or are sick.

You can expect to talk with a trained and licensed professional who takes the pressure off you to be anything other than yourself. You can expect conversations to be interesting and challenging, where you hopefully gain new insights into yourself. You will learn skills to better manage thoughts, emotions, and reactions in order to feel more confident about your ability to handle distress. Sessions are 50 minutes long and will include conversation, worksheets, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practice. I typically meet with clients for as many sessions as they prefer. Therapy is complete when you feel you are ready to manage life stressors on your own without initial symptoms showing up.

Both serve an important purpose but differ in terms of their approach. A life coach often focuses on improving certain skills and holding you accountable for reaching your goals. They are typically very solution focused. If you’re self-aware and need a confidence boost or help with goal setting, a life coach can be a good fit.

A psychotherapist, on the other hand, uses different evidence-based talk therapies to help you discern the reasons why you think and act the way you do. The main difference between a life coach and a therapist is regulation.

Some life coaches have a certificate or belong to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), but there isn’t uniform regulated training. Therapists must complete a master’s or doctorate degree, along with 3000 hours of clinical internship before sitting for multiple exams to achieve licensure. Once licensed, a therapist must follow a set of regulations and code of ethics. They are required to participate in continuing education courses each year to renew their license. If a therapist breaches their industry code of ethics or violate your confidentiality, there can be legal consequences.

If you’re looking to vet a therapist (https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-vet-a-therapist#fa-qs) here are some guidelines to keep in mind.