FAQs
q. What is Co-Active Coaching?
a. So glad you asked! Co-Active Coaching is a tried and true coaching model that holds collaboration between coach and client (rather than coach-as-boss-of-client) as the standard of connection and progress. As a Co-Active Coach, I create powerful partnerships with my clients to support them in accessing their own creativity and resources, and realizing their deepest desires and goals.
q. When you incorporate coaching, how is the process different from straight-up therapy?
a. Great question! In some ways, the distinction boils down to where the client is on their journey—weekly therapy is a good bet when you’re predominantly in a processing & coping place, whereas coaching could be a better fit if you’re in the thick of integrating & moving forward. That being said, all of these things overlap a bit, and our personal growth isn’t really famous for being linear, tidy, or feeling complete. Ultimately, the work I do is more focused on optimal growth and exploring/realizing potential than it is on "problems" or obstacles. Which is not to say that we won’t be exploring the hard/gnarly stuff, because we will.
q. It looks like you’re a Drama Therapist and a Coach… What does that mean, and what are you really?
I am really both. Although I definitely use my therapy training to enhance my capacity as a coach, my practice is coaching-focused in that it’s grounded in questions of fulfillment, rather than “functioning”, diagnosis, or mental illness treatment.
What that means, practically speaking, is that I hold a few core perspectives about our work together:
1. You are a complex being holding many different roles, identities, & experiences, and how you approach various parts of yourself & explore your own personal narrative matters.
2. You are worthy and capable of this exploration, and it is deep, challenging, beautiful, & kind of mysterious.
3. You are not “broken” or “needy” or “bad”. You are human. You are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole—even (especially) when you don’t feel it.
And I will be here to remind you.
q. Any recommendations for choosing the right person to work with?
a. Like any relationship, the coaching partnership comes down to communication and a certain kind of chemistry. Feeling like your coach "gets" you and having a sense of ease in the conversation are usually good signs that you will feel comfortable and supported enough to do the work. That's not to say that it's always easy or comfortable, but I think it's important to feel a connection. Even if someone has all the training & experience in the world (and those are important, too!), you either want to tell them what's really up for you, or you don't. In short, I'd say: go with your gut. It's your time—who do you want to talk to?
q. Is everything kept confidential?
a. Absolutely. There are only a few (very rare) exceptions to this—including relevant legal requirements, and ethical obligations having to do with safety. If we work together, we will cover all of these details in the first session, to ensure that everything feels clear and comfortable.
As a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Registered Drama Therapist through the North American Drama Therapy Association, I am bound to uphold the ethics of these governing bodies (which you’re welcome to check out for yourself here and here), and I take these responsibilities very seriously.
q. How do we get started?
a. You can always send me a message, or you're welcome to go ahead and set up a free phone consultation so that we can get to know each other a little bit and see if working together feels like a good fit.
q. How much does it cost?
a. In most cases, the rate is $400-$500* per month, which generally includes two 50-minute sessions + ongoing email support/check-ins. Most commonly, we work together for 6 months to a year; sometimes a little less, sometimes a bit more... All of that said, let's talk about what would work best for you.
*Directing Self Revelatory Performance is a whole different ballgame, so if you're interested in more info about that process (including fees & logistics), please reach out for more info.