Life transitions can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating through divorce, blended family issues and the complexities of co-parenting. My experience can provide you with personalized support and guidance as you travel through these difficult times. Whether you’re struggling with the emotional toll of divorce, facing challenges in your blended family dynamic, or seeking effective strategies for managing high-conflict co-parenting situations, I am here to help.
Services include:
Divorce Coaching: I offer compassionate guidance and practical strategies to help you navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce- empowering you to move forward with confidence and resilience. I am dedicated to helping individuals like you find healing, restoration, and renewed purpose in the aftermath of divorce. Learn more.
Blended Family Coaching: Building a successful blended family requires patience, understanding, and effective communication. I provide tailored support to help you strengthen family bonds, manage emotional stress, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the unique dynamics of blended family life. Learn More.
Co-parenting Coaching: Whether you’re dealing with shared custody arrangements, facing disagreements with your co-parent, navigating shared custody with a high conflict ex-partner, or seeking guidance on how to effectively communicate and collaborate, I am here to provide you with the support and tools you need to deal with co-parenting challenges successfully. I offer valuable insights and proven strategies to help you minimize conflict, prioritize the well-being of your children, and build a cooperative co-parenting relationship. My experience helps me listen, understand, and help families address the real problems they face as they try to raise children across households. I also understand and can help bridge the disconnect that sometimes exists between divorced parents and their children. Learn more.
Clinical Counseling Vs. Life Coaching
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with vast experience in therapeutic interventions, I can see there is a great overlap between mental health therapy and coaching. Both are:
- Client centered
- Require empathy and active listening
- Professional ethics
- Strong trust and rapport between professional and client
- Goal focused
- Whole person approach
- Confidential
The primary focus of life coaching is different than clinical counseling. This list may help you decide what is the best option for you.
| CLINICAL COUNSELING | LIFE COACHING |
| Goal– Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, emotional issues and mental health challenges. | Goal- Achievement of personal or professional goals |
| Focus– to alleviate distress, improve coping skills and promote psychological well being | Focus– clarification of aspirations, overcoming obstacles and developing action plans to reach objectives. |
| Approach and Technique– Therapists employ various evidence-based techniques and modalities to address mental health concerns, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and others. Therapy sessions typically involve exploration of emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and past experiences to facilitate healing and personal growth | Approach and Technique– Coaches often use a collaborative and action-oriented approach to empower clients in setting and achieving their goals. They may utilize techniques such as motivational interviewing, goal setting, accountability strategies, and strengths-based assessments |
| Client– Mental health therapists work with individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, from mild stressors to severe mental illness. They may also work with couples, families, or groups to address interpersonal and relational issues. | Client– Life coaches typically work with individuals who are functioning reasonably well but may seek guidance in specific areas of their lives where they want to make improvements or achieve greater fulfillment. |
- Nature of the Issue: Consider whether your primary concern is related to personal growth, goal achievement, or skill development, or if it involves mental health symptoms or emotional distress. Coaching typically focus on helping clients clarify goals, develop action plans, and overcome obstacles, while clinical counseling address psychological issues, emotional difficulties, and mental health conditions.
- Goals and Objectives: Determine what you hope to achieve through the coaching or clinical counseling. If you’re primarily focused on setting and achieving specific goals, coaching may be more suitable. If your goals involve addressing deeper emotional issues, improving mental well-being, or resolving past trauma, clinical counseling may be more appropriate.
- Level of Functioning: Assess your current level of functioning and emotional stability. If you’re generally functioning well but feel stuck in certain areas of your life or want to enhance your performance, coaching may provide the support and guidance you need. However, if you’re experiencing significant distress, struggling to cope with daily life, or experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, clinical counseling may be more beneficial.
- Past Experience with Therapy or Coaching: Reflect on any past experiences you’ve had with therapy or coaching and consider what has been helpful or effective for you in the past. If you’ve benefited from therapy and feel comfortable exploring deeper emotional issues, continuing therapy may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you’ve had success working with a coach and appreciate their approach to goal setting and accountability, coaching services may be a good fit.
- Consultation and Assessment: If you’re unsure whether coaching or therapy is the right choice for you, consider scheduling a consultation. You can discuss your goals, concerns, and preferences and receive feedback on the most appropriate approach for your needs.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue clinical counseling or life coaching services depends on your individual circumstances and what you hope to achieve through the coaching or therapy process. Both coaching and therapy can be valuable tools for personal growth, self-discovery, and healing, so it’s essential to choose the approach that aligns best with your goals and preferences.
Why Choose Cary as a Life Coach?
Experience: I have 20 years of personal and professional experience in this area. I specialize in supporting individuals and families transition post-divorce.
Personalized Approach: I understand that every individual and family is unique. That’s why I take a personalized approach to coaching, tailoring strategies, and techniques to meet your specific needs and goals.
Compassionate Support: I am committed to providing you with compassionate support every step of the way. I am here to listen, offer guidance, and empower you to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Convenient and Flexible Options: I offer flexible scheduling options, including telephone coaching, virtual consultations, and texting making it easy for you to access the support you need, wherever you are.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a happier, healthier future, I invite you to contact me today to schedule your initial consultation. I am here to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and positive change.