Coaching vs. Psychotherapy

While both coaching and psychotherapy aim to support personal growth and well-being, they serve different purposes and operate under different frameworks. Below is a breakdown of how they differ and what to expect from each:

Psychotherapy

  • Focuses on mental health, emotional healing, and deeper psychological work.

  • Explores past experiences, unconscious patterns, and emotional struggles.

  • Conducted under professional supervision.

  • Maintains medical records and may involve a diagnosis that could impact future medical history.

  • Available only to California residents due to licensing regulations.

Coaching

  • Focuses on goal setting, skill-building, and personal development.

  • Emphasizes the present and future, promoting action and growth.

  • Does not involve medical supervision or diagnoses.

  • No records are kept, ensuring a higher level of privacy.

  • Available worldwide with no geographic restrictions.

What Stays the Same

Regardless of whether you choose psychotherapy or coaching, my core approach remains consistent. In both, I incorporate:

  • Play & Creativity: Using experiential methods to unlock new insights and perspectives.

  • Theoretical Orientation: My training and education into psychological constructs will always be a part of who I am, and I will to the best of my ability always offer the best of my skillset to my clients.

  • Attuned Support: A focus on where you are coming from and what will help you move forward.

  • Here-and-Now Process: A maintained focus on how group members impact and influence one another in real time. One of the fundamental questions we seek answers to in group work is, "How do I impact other people?" and conversely, "How do other people impact me?" This involves an emotionally daring space where we are brave enough to explore questions that might feel too direct in everyday life, such as:

    • "When I first saw you, I immediately assumed you’d be..."

    • "What I was trying to get across with this statement was..., but how did it actually impact you?"

    By engaging with these questions and their answers, we build confidence, emotional intelligence, and a stronger presence in the world. This process allows us to rehearse getting comfortable with what is, making group work a deeply transformative experience. Regardless of whether you choose psychotherapy or coaching, my core approach remains consistent.

Fees

  • Psychotherapy (California residents only): $150 per session

  • Coaching (available worldwide): $100 per session

  • Group Coaching: $40 per session

The Power of Group Work

Many people assume that group coaching is less effective due to reduced personal attention, but research has consistently shown the opposite. In fact, group support offers benefits that solo work cannot. Not only is it a more cost-effective way to receive help, but it also provides unique, transformational experiences that individual work cannot replicate.

Psychiatrist Irvin Yalom and group therapy expert Molyn Leszcz have outlined key therapeutic factors that make group work so powerful:

  • Hope: Seeing others make progress can provide encouragement that recovery and growth are possible.

  • Universality: Recognizing that others share similar struggles helps reduce isolation and self-doubt.

  • Information: Learning new strategies, facts, and insights from both the facilitator and other group members.

  • Altruism: Helping others and being helped fosters a sense of purpose and mutual support.

  • Corrective Relationships: Opportunities to resolve past family dynamics through interactions in the group.

  • Interpersonal Learning: Gaining new perspectives and relational skills by engaging with others.

  • Cohesion: Feeling a sense of belonging and community, which enhances emotional safety and trust.

  • Catharsis: The emotional release that comes from expressing oneself and being understood.

  • Identification: Observing and modeling behaviors from others in the group.

  • Self-Understanding: Developing deeper awareness of one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

  • Guidance: Receiving support, advice, and constructive feedback from both the facilitator and group members.

  • Existential Factors: Exploring life’s meaning, purpose, and shared human experiences.

Group Coaching Structure

I carefully compile groups to ensure that participants share common struggles and goals, maximizing the effectiveness of the group dynamic. Individuals who may benefit more from one-on-one work will be directed accordingly. Once a group is formed, we will create a schedule that accommodates everyone’s needs.

If you're unsure whether psychotherapy or coaching is the best fit for you, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss what would best support your goals.

Current Group Offerings

Right now, I’m focusing on groups that provide support for:

  • Depersonalization/Derealization (DPDR)

  • Compulsive Internet Use (Gaming, Porn, Social Media)

  • ADHD & Lack of Motivation