Coaching is a dynamic process, and the duration depends on your individual journey. Whether it's a short-term boost to conquer specific challenges or a longer transformational endeavor, rest assured that we'll tailor the coaching engagement to meet your needs and aspirations.

Flexibility is at the core of our coaching approach. We can conduct sessions in over the phone if you are located in the United States or Canada or through virtual platforms – whichever option makes you feel most comfortable and connected. The focus remains on your growth and progress, regardless of the medium.

As your coach, I bring a wealth of experience, training, and a deep passion for helping individuals like you thrive. My qualifications and background enable me to offer expert guidance, compassionate support, and the tools you need to excel on your journey of self-discovery and growth. For specific qualifications and background, please visit the About page.

Life is unpredictable, and I completely understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. I'm committed to being flexible and accommodating when it comes to rescheduling sessions, ensuring we maintain our momentum and focus on your growth.

Setting specific, inspiring goals is a vital part of the coaching process. Together, we'll uncover your passions and aspirations, developing a clear roadmap for achieving them. Through focused action plans and continuous support, we'll navigate any obstacles and propel you towards success. If you already know where you want to go and what your goals are, we can begin our coaching on the goals you know you have.

Absolutely! Throughout our coaching journey, I'll equip you with valuable resources, thought-provoking exercises, and transformative tools to enhance your self-awareness and facilitate your personal and professional growth. These resources will serve as valuable guides long after our coaching engagement.

How is coaching different than therapy? Coaching and therapy are both valuable forms of support that aim to help individuals improve their lives and well-being, but they have distinct differences in their focus, approach, and goals. Here are some key differences between coaching and therapy:

Focus:

• Coaching: The primary focus of coaching is to help individuals set and achieve specific goals, enhance their performance, and make positive changes in their personal and professional lives. Coaches work with clients to identify their strengths, develop skills, and overcome obstacles to achieve desired outcomes.
• Therapy: Therapy primarily focuses on addressing emotional and psychological issues, healing from past traumas, and resolving mental health concerns. Therapists work to identify and treat mental health conditions, improve emotional well-being, and promote self-awareness and healing.

Time Orientation:

• Coaching: Coaching typically has a present and future-oriented approach. Coaches work with clients to identify their current challenges and opportunities, set goals, and create actionable plans to achieve those goals in the future.
• Therapy: Therapy often involves exploring past experiences and their impact on a person's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapists help clients understand and process past traumas or unresolved issues to promote healing and personal growth.

Qualifications and Training:

• Coaching: Coaches may have a variety of backgrounds and training, as the coaching industry is not regulated in the same way as therapy. While some coaches have specific certifications or qualifications, others may rely on their life experience and expertise in a particular field.
• Therapy: Therapists, on the other hand, are licensed professionals who have completed extensive education and training in psychology, counseling, or social work. They must adhere to specific ethical guidelines and state regulations to practice as therapists.

Problem-solving approach:

• Coaching: Coaches work collaboratively with clients to help them find solutions to specific challenges and achieve their goals. The emphasis is on empowering clients to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
• Therapy: Therapists work with clients to explore underlying issues, provide emotional support, and facilitate personal growth and healing. The focus is on understanding and resolving deep-seated emotional and psychological concerns.

Relationship dynamics:

• Coaching: The coaching relationship is more informal and equal, with the coach acting as a supportive partner to the client. The coach empowers the client to take ownership of their actions and decisions.
• Therapy: The therapeutic relationship is more structured, and the therapist takes on a role of authority and expertise. Therapists are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and vulnerabilities.

Outcome measurement:

• Coaching: Coaching progress is typically measured by the achievement of specific goals and desired outcomes set by the client. Success is often determined by tangible results and personal growth.
• Therapy: Therapy progress is measured by improvements in mental and emotional well-being, increased self-awareness, and the resolution of psychological issues.

It's important to note that coaching and therapy are not mutually exclusive, and some individuals may benefit from both approaches at different times in their lives. When choosing between coaching and therapy, it's essential to consider your specific needs, goals, and the type of support that aligns best with your current circumstances. If you're unsure which approach is right for you, consulting with a professional in each field can help you make an informed decision. If you are interested in coaching, but don’t know if therapy may be better for you at this time, you may be able to seek direction from your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is typically provided at no cost to you.

Mel is not a licensed therapist, nor will she provided any services that may be construed as therapy. Should a session move towards a space where it may cross a boundary into an area where therapy would be in better service of the client, Mel will gently remind the client of the boundaries of professional coaching.

Should a situation arise where a client is showing signs during a session that a mental wellness therapeutic intervention may benefit them, Mel has studied with the Institute of Coaching, through McLean, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, and Moving the Human Spirit, an ICF-certified trauma-informed coaching certification program, and has specific tools to help identify when a client may benefit from therapy. She also has her own guidelines for working with clients who are also currently working with a therapist. These guidelines are in service of the interest of the client.

For clients who are already in therapy, best practice in this area is for the client to discuss working with a coach in addition to their existing therapist with their therapist before beginning coaching. Mel is committed to supporting her clients and is happy to meet with their therapist, only with the client present, to discuss how the team can best support the client and what boundaries exist around the coaching relationship.