How is Life Coaching different from traditional mental health counseling?

Mental health counseling often focuses on dealing with past issues, healing emotional wounds, and the ongoing maintenance of mental health. There may be a goal for each session, or there might not be. Generally, therapy tends to be open-ended and focuses on matters such as emotional regulation, grief management, healing from trauma, and coping with anxiety.

Life coaching differs in the sense that our work together will be focused on where you are right now and developing goals oriented towards your future. Life coaching is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, nor is it intended to be a tool to process trauma. As a life coach, my job is to be your partner in devising strategies to reach your goals, hold you accountable, and root for you every step of the way. Each session will end with a goal or “homework” for you to complete before the next session.

What can I expect from your sessions?

You can expect to meet with me once a week for 45 minutes. In our first session together, we’ll explore some of your goals for our work together (examples: heal or prevent burnout, discover possible career paths, advocating for yourself at work, build more satisfying relationships, improve your ability to manage everyday tasks). I believe in taking an individualized approach to helping clients reach their goals. We will explore some of your special interests and your sensory needs and use this information to determine what will specifically work for you.

An agenda detailing what we will discuss will be provided to you before each session. Our sessions together will focus on practical strategies for you to achieve your goals. However, “practical” does not mean boring! Together, we will look for ways to integrate your skills and special interests and apply them to your plan to achieve your goals. You will receive a written summary of each session afterwards outlining what we discussed and your homework before your next session.

If you’ve purchased an 8-session coaching package, you will also receive a free mini-session where we can check in to celebrate the work you’ve done so far and you can receive more in-depth support and extra accountability with any area in which you might need a little extra help.

Do we meet online or in person?

All sessions will take place via Google Meet, or phone call depending on your preferences. If we use a video platform, you have the option of leaving your camera off. If you are located in San Bernardino County, in-person sessions are available at The Orange Space. Please note there is a $60 surcharge to cover my time and travel expenses.

Is our work confidential?

Our work together is confidential with the exception of reporting cases of child or adult abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation. Every effort will be made to ensure the security of your information.

What are your qualifications?

In addition to having lived all of my life as an autistic woman and having personally experienced received a diagnosis of ADHD and autism past childhood, I also hold a master’s degree in counseling from University of Colorado Denver. Previously, I have applied my lived experience and education as a job coach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have also completed several courses dedicated specifically to life coaching.

I am self-diagnosed. Can we still work together?

There are many reasons why someone cannot or chooses not to pursue a formal diagnosis of autism, and therefore it is not a requirement for our work together. We can still work together to identify areas of your life where you feel ready for growth, set reasonable goals, and collaborate to find the best solutions and tools for you.

Can I work with you if I am not a woman?

Yes! My coaching practice is mostly women-centered because women are more likely to be identified as autistic later in life due to how we are socialized. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, I have also noticed how few services for autistic individuals are centered towards the unique issues faced by women and girls.

Having said all of that, I am willing to serve late-identified autistic individuals all over the gender spectrum who feel called to my work and my style of coaching.

Can I work with you if I’m not into astrology?

Absolutely. I choose to incorporate astrology into my practice because it’s one of my special interests, and I value the idea of neurodivergent individuals incorporating their special interests into their work. I believe that special interests can provide insight and guidance, and they can be helpful in creating meaningful change for neurodivergent individuals. However, astrology is not a required part of my coaching methodology. Our coaching relationship is still all about you and your goals and choices, and this includes the integration of your own special interests.

How much does life coaching cost?

You have the option of paying per session or purchasing a coaching package for a discounted rate. Each package also includes additional bonuses, ensuring you receive the best value for your money.

• 1 session – Includes email and phone support between sessions and a bonus self-exploration resource: $100 (pay-as-you-go)
• 4 sessions – Includes email and phone support between sessions, a bonus self-exploration resource, three guided meditations, and the Autistic Self-Discovery Workbook: $360 ($90 per session, save 10%)
• 8 sessions – Includes everything in the 4-session package, plus a 30-minute check-in between sessions: $640 ($80 per session, save 20%)

Do you accept insurance?

Life coaching is not considered a medical expense. Therefore, life coaching is not covered by health insurance. If you are unable to pay and you want to work with me, talk to me and we can set up a payment plan.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations require 24 hours-notice to avoid a $50 cancellation fee.

If you have not worked on the homework or attempted your goals, please do not cancel. Many people on the autism spectrum are susceptible to the trap of all-or-nothing thinking or the trap of perfectionism, and may decide to cancel an appointment if they cannot do the homework or are unable to meet their goals.

The point of coaching and the outside homework assignments is to gather data on what tools will work for you and where we need to adjust. There are no grades for the homework. If you show up and try, you’re doing it right.

What should I do if I want to see if you’re a good fit for me?

Schedule a free 10 minute consultation to see if working with me is something that calls to you. You can send me a message on any of my social media pages or from the contact page (which you can reach by clicking the button below!)