Coaching vs. Therapy
Often, clients ask the difference between therapy and coaching. Both can be useful in different ways. Coaching is designed to teach you skills and different ways to think about situations you are struggling with. Coaches may discuss your past and upbringing, and often discuss attachment and family of origin, but also focus on the here and now. They are trained to help you deal with specific areas where you feel stuck, and take a more proactive and time limited approach.
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A coach is a "thinking partner" who helps you developed increased self-understanding. Coaches ask thought-provoking questions and help you grow aware of patterns that are obstructing you from moving forward. This can be in the areas of relationship, career, parenting, or any other aspect of your life that feels less than fulfilling to you.
Our coaches help you self-actualize and live authentically and in line with your core values, by helping you refocus on what is meaningful to you. They are compassionate and curious about you as a person, and notice shifts in emotion as you discuss certain topics, sharing that information with you in a way that helps you understand your stuck points and blocks. They focus on your strengths and why you may not be able to utilize them in certain times and places. They help you access motivation and enthusiasm for your life that you may have thought was lost due to age or burnout. It is a myth that coaching cannot move beyond the surface/practical level. Many clients report transformational change in self understanding due to coaching.
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Therapists, unlike coaches, are licensed to provide mental health care. They assess and treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, addiction, and other DSM disorders. Therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, insight-oriented, EMDR, exposure therapy with responsive prevention, and more.
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Coaches have not been trained to treat mental health disorders. When mental health issues are at play, coaching is not appropriate and therapy is necessary. If you would like to see a coach and you have mental health issues such as those mentioned, you will need to see a therapist concurrently.
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Lastly, as coaching is not a health service, you cannot submit coaching receipts to your health insurance. Coaches cannot diagnose or treat mental health disorders, and if they become aware that you have an issue that would be better served by therapy, they will refer you to a therapist at Best Life or elsewhere.
Meet our Coaches
Tehilla Luttig, LMHC
Tehilla is a therapist who does coaching with individuals and couples located in the U.S. and Canada.
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Tehilla says: "Fighting about the facts in your relationship will keep you stuck feeling unheard and misunderstood. Learning how to translate the conversation gives you the key to deeper connection and closing old conversations for good."
Suzanna Mathews
Suzanna is a relationship coach who works with couples and individuals.
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Suzanna says: "My clients, from the young to the young-at-heart, have a passion to find their person. I support and inform them as they form deeper connections with themselves and others."
Paula Pate, LCMFT
Paula is a therapist who also does coaching work with adult individuals, couples, and families.
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Paula says: "When working together, please expect an exploration of your present concerns and as well as an exploration of your past – including experiences, issues, and events which you may fear or tend to avoid. These will sometimes be uncomfortable to consider, and as you begin to challenge yourself and work to change the ways you have been seeing and doing things, you can expect to feel some discomfort."
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Heather Ray, Certified Sexologist
Heather is a sex coach and educator who works with adult individuals and couples.
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A book that Heather recommends to clients is Girl Boner by August McLaughlin. She says, "This book is a comprehensive (and inclusive) guide to female sexuality. It is one of my favorites to recommend because it covers so many different topics, like traditional roles that are instilled at youth, sexual positions, masturbation, kinks and even toys."
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Cat Roebuck, C.P.C.
Cat is a relationship coach who works with adult individuals and couples.
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As a coach, Cat specializes in helping people chart a path out of their repetitive struggles, especially in the context of long term love. Cat empowers clients to step deeper into courage and develop their potential as people, partners, and and family members.
Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten
Dr. Whiten is the practice director and a therapist who also does coaching with adult individuals and couples.
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Dr. Whiten says: "I love what I do and you can benefit from my expertise. My proactive approach always leaves you with something to think about, read, or try. I've witnessed many clients make significant, lasting changes beyond their expectations."
