Therapy is typically focused on healing and understanding emotional, mental, and psychological challenges. It involves exploring past experiences, working through trauma, managing mental health conditions, and developing coping strategies. The goal of therapy is often to help clients achieve emotional well-being, improve relationships, and lead a more balanced life. As a mental health counselor, I am trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues, guiding clients through their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Coaching, on the other hand, is more forward-looking and action-oriented. It is designed to help clients set and achieve specific goals, whether they are related to health, wellness, career, or personal development. Coaching focuses on creating strategies, building motivation, and providing accountability to help clients reach their full potential. As a health and wellness coach, I work with clients to develop healthier habits, enhance their well-being, and achieve their desired outcomes in various aspects of their lives.

In summary, therapy often addresses emotional and psychological healing, while coaching is about goal-setting and personal growth. Depending on your needs, I can help you determine whether therapy, coaching, or a combination of both is right for you.

Your first session, whether in therapy or coaching, is an important step in your journey toward personal growth and well-being. Here’s what you can generally expect:

In Therapy: The initial therapy session is primarily focused on getting to know you and understanding your needs. I will ask you about your background, current challenges, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll discuss your mental health history, any previous therapy experiences, and your goals for treatment. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. The goal is to establish a comfortable and trusting environment where you feel safe to share openly. Together, we will begin to outline a plan for your therapy, setting the foundation for our work together.

In Coaching: The first coaching session is about identifying your goals and setting the stage for future sessions. We will discuss what you want to achieve, whether it’s related to health, wellness, career, or personal development. I’ll ask about your current situation, any challenges you’re facing, and your vision for the future. We’ll start to develop a strategy to help you reach your goals, including actionable steps and milestones. This session is also a chance for you to get a feel for the coaching process, ask questions, and determine if coaching is the right fit for you.

In Both Therapy and Coaching: The first session is also an opportunity for us to build rapport and establish a working relationship. I aim to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer understanding of what to expect moving forward, whether in therapy, coaching, or a combination of both.

Ultimately, the first session is about starting the journey together and setting the foundation for your growth and well-being.

In both my therapy and coaching practices, I use a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Here’s a breakdown of some of the approaches I incorporate:

In Therapy:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely-used approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. By understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, we work together to develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with challenges. This approach is particularly effective for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties.

  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT helps individuals explore and understand their emotions more deeply. This approach emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and expression as key components of healing. Through EFT, we work to uncover underlying emotions that may be driving certain behaviors or thought patterns, allowing for deeper self-awareness and emotional healing.

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): SFT is a goal-oriented approach that concentrates on identifying solutions rather than focusing on problems. It’s about leveraging your strengths and resources to create positive changes in your life. We focus on what’s working well for you and how you can apply those successes to other areas of your life, helping you achieve your desired outcomes more quickly.

In Health and Wellness Coaching:

  • Mindfulness-Based Practices: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for enhancing overall well-being. In coaching, I incorporate mindfulness techniques to help you stay present, reduce stress, and build a deeper connection with your body and mind. These practices can be particularly helpful in managing anxiety, improving focus, and fostering a sense of calm in your daily life.

  • Goal Setting and Action Planning: A key component of coaching is setting clear, achievable goals and creating actionable steps to reach them. We’ll work together to identify your priorities, break down your goals into manageable tasks, and develop a plan that keeps you motivated and accountable.

  • Behavioral Change Techniques: To support your health and wellness journey, I utilize techniques designed to promote lasting behavioral changes. This might include developing new habits, overcoming obstacles, and building resilience to ensure you stay on track with your wellness goals.

These approaches, whether in therapy or coaching, are designed to support your growth, healing, and overall well-being. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that aligns with your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

Therapy Sessions:

  • Individual Therapy: $100 per session
  • Couples Therapy: $120 per session

I do accept health insurance for therapy sessions. Currently, I am in-network with the following providers:

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Alliance

If you have a different insurance provider, please feel free to reach out, and I can assist you in exploring your options, including out-of-network benefits.

Coaching Sessions: Coaching is typically a cash-pay service, and the pricing is based on the length of time you wish to engage in coaching:

  • 1 Month (1 session per week): $320/month
  • 3 Months (1 session per week): $800/3 months
  • 6 Months (1 session per week): $1500/6 months

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, we can discuss your goals and determine the most suitable plan during our initial consultation.

Please note that coaching services are generally not covered by health insurance, as they are considered distinct from therapy. However, I am committed to offering flexible payment options to accommodate your needs.

A typical session for both therapy and coaching lasts 50 minutes. This duration is often referred to as a “clinical hour” and is designed to provide ample time to address your concerns, work on your goals, and develop strategies for growth and well-being. The 50-minute format also allows for a consistent and focused approach, ensuring that we make the most of our time together while leaving space for reflection and processing after the session.

However, the initial intake session is 1 hour long. This extended time allows us to thoroughly discuss your background, explore your needs and goals, and begin building a strong foundation for our work together. The longer intake session ensures that we have the necessary time to get to know each other and set the stage for successful ongoing sessions.

The duration of therapy or coaching varies depending on individual needs, goals, and the complexity of the issues being addressed.

In Therapy: Therapy is a highly personalized process, and the length of time required to achieve your goals can vary widely. Some clients may find that a few months of therapy are sufficient to address specific concerns, while others may benefit from a longer-term commitment, lasting several months to a year or more. The frequency of sessions and your progress will be regularly reviewed, and we will work together to determine the most appropriate duration for your therapy. The ultimate goal is to ensure that you feel empowered and equipped to navigate life’s challenges independently.

In Coaching: Coaching is typically more goal-oriented and can be structured around a set timeframe. Many clients choose to engage in coaching for 3 to 6 months, which allows sufficient time to set goals, implement strategies, and see tangible results. Some may achieve their objectives in a shorter period, while others may opt for ongoing coaching to continue building on their success and maintaining momentum. The length of your coaching journey will depend on the goals you wish to achieve and the pace at which you feel comfortable progressing.

In both therapy and coaching, the focus is on making meaningful progress at a pace that feels right for you. We will continually assess your needs and goals to ensure that our work together is effective and aligned with your desired outcomes.

For Therapy:

  • In-Person: I am available for in-person sessions on Monday through Wednesday. These sessions are ideal if you prefer face-to-face interaction in a comfortable and private setting.
  • Telehealth: If you prefer or require remote sessions, I offer telehealth options on Thursday through Saturday. Telehealth provides the flexibility to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home or another private location.

For Coaching:

  • Telehealth Only: Coaching sessions are conducted exclusively via telehealth. This allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, and I can accommodate your needs more easily, whether you’re looking for daytime, evening, or even weekend sessions.

Both options are designed to provide you with the support you need in the format that works best for you.

I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations as a way to introduce ourselves and discuss your needs and goals before scheduling an initial intake session. This brief conversation allows us to determine if we’re a good fit and helps me understand how best to support you.

If you’re ready to book a session or consultation, the best way to reach me is via email at nicole@rvivwellness.com. I will respond to your inquiry within 24-48 hours to arrange a time that works for you. Whether you’re interested in therapy or coaching, I’m here to help you take the next steps toward your wellness journey.