Counseling FAQ
How does online counseling work?
For the most part, clients can receive the same services that they would if they were in in-person therapy. Audio/phone and video counseling require that the client and therapist both be present, as this communication occurs in real-time. Therapy through email exchanges is asynchronous and therefore doesn’t require that both parties be present at the same time. The mode of communication can have an impact on the therapeutic experience and that varies individually and by circumstance.
Is online counseling safe and confidential?
Yes, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations extend to online services as well. That means that clients are protected, and information is confidential. All the modalities that I use are secure and HIPAA compliant.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
- Accessibility
- Convenience
- Flexibility
- Affordability
What are some of the challenges of online therapy?
- Counselors don’t have access to full body language cues
- Clients might have distractions at home that are not present in an office setting
- Some issues are too intense or complex to be handled remotely
Do you need to be in the same state as your counselor?
Licensing laws differ between states. With some exceptions, counselors are restricted to working with clients in the state or states where they are licensed. I am licensed in the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.
Is online counseling effective?
Online counseling is an effective form of therapy for clients and counselors. Studies have shown that efficacy is on par with in-person sessions for issues that are not too severe or that require more intensive treatment.
Coaching FAQ
What is a life coach?
A life coach is a trained professional who aims to help and guide individuals to make, meet and exceed personal and professional goals. They support clients on a journey to rediscover their own strengths and abilities; this can include excelling in the workplace, becoming happy and fulfilled at home, exploring your potential, managing health concerns, and achieving life ambitions.
What happens in a coaching session?
During the session, I will ask you some questions, such as what you want to achieve in life, what areas you're unhappy with and where you'd like to see yourself in the future. Coaching is often seen as a partnership between you and your coach, who will gently encourage you to explore how to make positive changes in your life based on your aspirations. A coach should also offer support and feedback to help you to stay focused on your goals and will occasionally set you tasks and objectives to work on outside of sessions.
What is the difference between coaching and counseling?
Coaching focuses more on the client in the here and now and conducts sessions with the future as the central point to encourage personal development and self-improvement. Counseling is often associated with assessing the individual and working through past events that have contributed to the client’s current issues. Counseling can investigate the underlying causes of mental health problems, while coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health issues.
What are some reasons people utilize coaching?
- To create a healthier, happier, and more meaningful life
- To plan a career move
- To foster resilience
- To address job “burnout”
- To embrace and develop your leadership qualities
- To build intentional community
- To navigate life’s many phases, transitions, and challenges
- To lead a change initiative in an organization or community
- To live life in line with values and dreams
- To make your present job more fulfilling
- To plan your life based on what matters most to you
- To get more organized
- To bring more joy into your everyday life
- To create more balance in your life
- To focus your energy to finish or plan a project
- To increase your effectiveness as an executive, manger, or fundraiser
- To work with your team to increase productivity and effectiveness
- To start a business
- To get motivated
- To manifest your creative pursuits
- To access creativity more consistently
- To connect with your true purpose
- To embrace life’s obstacles and setbacks
- To cultivate a spiritual practice