What is the difference between Mental Health Counseling and Health Coaching?

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Mental health counseling primarily focuses on addressing mental health issues, emotional challenges and psychological disorders. As a licensed professional, board-certified counselor, I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients better identify and heal psychological struggles, often leading to more awareness, freedom and flexibility in their life.

 

Health coaching puts focus on promoting overall health and well-being by supporting clients in making positive lifestyle changes related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other health-related behaviors. As a coach, I help clients set and achieve health goals, improve habits and champion them towards enhancing the overall quality of life in a more solution-focused way.

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I have never heard of Integrative Health Coaching. What is it?

Integrative health coaching is a holistic approach to health and wellness that supports individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being in a holistic (physical, emotional, mental and social) and sustainable way. Each of these elements of a person are connected with one another and contribute collectively to total health.  As a coach, I utilize a combination of coaching techniques, evidence-based practices and integrative health principles to empower clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes and improve their overall health and quality of life. This shift of lifestyle is made by collaborating with clients to create unique, personalized plans towards achieving their goals and supporting them in overcoming resistance in the process of change.

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What are the reasons I might come to see a health coach?

People seek out health coaches for a variety of reasons, each unique to the person. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the things I work with: Stress management, weight management, nutrition education and healthy eating, poor relationship with food, fitness goals, chronic disease management, food or nicotine addiction, poor health habits, sleep health, general mental health and well-being, digestive health, hormone imbalance, etc. Additionally, I value working collaboratively with your care team to support continuity of care and management of diagnoses or doctor recommendations.

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What credentials do you have?

I hold a Professional Mental Health Counseling license in both Washington and Idaho (LH61348952, LCPC-9142). I am certified as an Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

 

I see you have credentials for both Mental Health Counseling and Health and Wellness Coaching. Can I do both services at the same time?

Unfortunately, an individual may not be dual enrolled in both counseling and coaching. While there is overlap between services, coaching and counseling are approached differently. In cases of uncertainty, an assessment will be made to determine the right service for your circumstance. If an individual is enrolled in coaching services and counseling becomes recommended, appropriate referrals will be given for appropriate providers. If a coaching client would like counseling services through Kathryn Hicks, LMHC, the prescribed number of coaching sessions must be completed or canceled and reimbursed before change of services is rendered.

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What if I don’t really know what I need?

Sometimes a person may feel like something needs to change but isn’t sure what kind of support is needed. This is common! As a first step in exploring the possibility of working together, I offer a free, informal exploratory call. This call is a way for you to share what kind of challenges you are noticing and what you are most interested in changing. It is also an avenue to ask any additional questions you might have about the services I provide. During this call I am happy to give you a recommendation of which service might best fit your needs and move to scheduling an intake session.

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If I come to you, will I feel better?

Seeking support through counseling or health coaching can be a valuable and beneficial step towards improving your health! However, the effectiveness of each of these services depends on many factors:

• The level of willingness to engage in the process-Any change can be both difficult and exciting! The extent to which you are willing to put in the hard work and commit towards your goals is the extent to which you will receive the benefits! I aim to help equip you with insight and tools available for your ongoing practice while receiving support! The more that the learned resources and tools are used by you, the greater the outcome of desired change.

• Provider Client Match-Just like trying on the right clothes to feel comfortable, finding the right provider for personal change is a highly individualized choice. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the person you are trusting with your concerns and feel as though you are understood and supported through vulnerability.

• Realistic Expectations-It takes time, effort and patience to see positive changes and improvements in health. Most often it took some time to develop the automatic thoughts or habits you may be looking to shift! Growth is non-linear and experiencing some personal resistance to a new pattern is normal. It is vital to allow for self-compassion and patience in moments that feel upsetting and messy. As the one in your corner, I will help you navigate the challenges in new ways that will allow you to develop your own inner cheerleader!