What is a mental health coach?

The Mental Health Coaching Service helps people identify and follow through on practical steps they can take to feel better. For some people, this means feeling calmer and less anxious. For others, it will mean having more energy and enjoying things more.

The process starts with an online mental health assessment. This will give you and your coach an overview you can discuss at your first meeting. You may also have some top-of-mind concerns you want to share. Based on your first meeting, you and your coach will build an action plan, identifying specific things you can do to address your concerns and enhance your sense of well-being.

the coach will meet with you to support you in following through and to tweak the plan as needed.

Mission

My commitment is to provide quality care and support by utilizing my expertise, knowledge, and compassion, so that you can feel confident and empowered in managing your overall health and mental health wellness.

Difference between a mental health coach and therapist

Therapists are healthcare professionals who are licensed to provide treatment (therapy) that support individuals with differing challenges such as healing wounds from the past, improving interpersonal relations, and learning to identify and manage triggers and emotions affectively and appropriately.

Coaches empower and motivate individuals to set goals and highlight the areas of focus and behaviors that they would like to change or improve on. Coaches will often focus on the here and now and will work collaboratively to develop steps to accomplish both the short- and long-term goals.

Difference between a coaching session and a therapy session

During a therapy session, individuals will often explore various elements of their lives, including their past and will be given a safe environment to release the emotion and difficulties they may be experiencing.

A coaching session will consist of present- orientated discussions, surrounding the short- and long-term goals you would like to work on and reach. Your Coach will support you in developing an action plan to get you one step closer to your goals, while providing a space for you to reflect and review what is and is not working for you.

What if therapy is what I need

If there is a wait time before you can start treatment, your Mental Health Coach will support you until you begin work with a therapist. Some people find it valuable to continue working with the coach on their action plan, while starting treatment.

Is my privacy protected

Any client identifiable information and discussions had with your Mental Health Coach will not be shared with your employer. The only time we would be required to share any of your information is if you disclose or present as a potential threat to yourself or another, as well as if a child’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.

What is my role in the mental health coaching process

Your role is to come prepared to your sessions with an open mind and heart, in a space where you will not be interrupted – this time is for you. I will provide you with tools, tricks and differing coping techniques. Your role will be to put the tools and resources to use between coaching sessions and share how they worked with your me, to allow for adjustments or to provide you with additional tools and resources.

I am already working with a specialist, do I still benefit from a mental health coach

Absolutely! It is our hope that this service offering will complement the work you are already doing with another professional.

What is a symptom

The term, symptom, refers to an aspect of mental life that indicates you may be struggling with a mental health issue. Just like a high temperature can indicate an infection, constant feelings of nervousness or anxiety are symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder – a condition that can be successfully treated for the great majority of people. Symptoms tend to be unique to an individual. This can include excessive feelings of anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts or images, persistent irritability, low energy, and problems sleeping.

What is a life intervention

A life intervention is a productive and healthy way of coping to stressors and the world around us. They are often used to support and/or enhance mental and physical health. Some examples include exercising, journaling, and stress management techniques.

What is a therapy modality

A therapy modality is recognized as a form of treatment for a specific disorder or condition. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used for many anxiety disorders, as well as depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy highlights how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors all interact with one another. The main goal of this therapy is developing alternative ways of perceiving and managing information, based on the evidence around us, to lower our levels of distress when faced with challenging moment or life event.

What is a difference between an assessment and a diagnosis

Based on the responses given, an assessment will highlight areas of potential risk. It is not conclusive to a specific disorder, however, based on the severity and frequency of presenting symptoms, may be associated to a disorder or condition. A diagnosis, however, is more concrete. A healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist are trained and can provide you with a formal diagnosis using diagnostic tools and testing.