Coaching (life coaching, career coaching, dating coaching, executive coaching or relationship coaching) is different from “psychotherapy” in that it is a professional service intended to assist people in achieving their goals or improving their lives, as opposed to being a treatment for mental illness.
Appropriate goals for coaching
Goals for coaching may include achieving greater life satisfaction, improving your relationship, gaining clarity and direction with regards to your career, or performing at a higher level in various aspects of your life.
Limitations of coaching
While Dr. Charla Ogaz is trained as a mental health professional and may incorporate some therapeutic techniques into your coaching sessions. And while she maintains all legal and ethical standards appropriate for a licensed mental health professional, we (Dr. Charla Ogaz and client named above) do not engage in psychotherapy within our coaching relationship. Furthermore, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am only legally able to provide psychotherapy to clients in the state(s) in which I am licensed.
Coaching is not intended to treat any medical or mental health conditions. If, over the course of your coaching sessions, I, your coach, determines that your needs or life circumstances would be better supported by a psychotherapist licensed in your state, they will make that recommendation. I may also recommend that you seek therapy in addition to coaching or that coaching be postponed until mental health issues are resolved if you have a currently untreated psychiatric or psychological condition that is interfering with your ability to be successful in coaching.
Coaching and insurance
Given that coaching is not intended to treat any recognized medical or mental condition, it is not covered by health insurance. We do not submit insurance claims for clients engaged in life coaching, relationship coaching, dating coaching, career coaching, or executive coaching.
Professional consultation
Please let Dr. Charla Ogaz know if you are currently seeing a therapist in addition to undertaking coaching. As your coach, I will be happy to consult with your current therapist about progress towards your coaching goals, provided they have a written release of information authorizing them to do so.
Agreement
By enrolling in this program, you agree that you understand the difference between psychotherapy and coaching, that coaching is not intended to treat mental illness, and that if your coach determines that your needs will be better met by psychotherapy, you will receive a referral.