What is the difference between counseling and life coaching?

Counseling:

• Focus: Focuses on the past and present to understand and heal from emotional issues, traumas, or mental health conditions.

• Approach: Often uses more fluid sessions where you guide the conversation towards your concerns. The counselor listens, provides support and empathy, and helps you explore your feelings and thought patterns.

• Credentials: Requires a master's degree in mental health counseling, psychology, or social work, and a license to practice therapy.

Coaching:

• Focus: Focuses on the present and future, helping you set and achieve goals, develop skills, and improve performance.

• Approach: More structured sessions, with the coach asking questions, guiding goal-setting, and holding you accountable for taking action.

• Credentials: Training requirements vary. Some coaches have certifications from accredited programs, while others take shorter courses or have relevant experience.

Do you accept insurance?

Irina is able to accept insurance for individual and couples counseling. She is currently paneled with Aetna and Cigna. She is in the process of being able to accept Blue Cross of Idaho.

Life coaching and wraparound care are not supported by insurance at this time.

What can I expect from a consultation?

We offer a free and confidential 15 minute consultation for anyone wanting to see if counseling or life coaching might be right for them. This consultation can be done in person or over the phone. Contact us to schedule a time.

Will sessions be in person or via telehealth?

Both Irina and Tom prefer in-person sessions as they allow for more effective and genuine communication to occur. That being said, telehealth can be an option in certain situations.