160 Island Beach Blvd
Merritt Island, FL 32952
(321) 613-8685
Counseling offered via online
telehealth in Wisconsin & Florida.
Life Coaching offered via telehealth in all states
Frequently Asked Questions
Full recovery is possible, and you can get there. We’re here to help you!
If you can’t find your answers here, give us a call or schedule
an appointment and we’ll answer them personally!
Am I sick enough?
This is a question that I have heard my clients ask many many times. I want you to know that if thoughts around food, weight, exercise, calories etc. are controlling your life or making you miserable then you deserve to be free and get help! Let’s be real… for many people’s eating disorder there is never a “sick enough” even at death’s door people I have worked with are questioning if they are sick enough.
There are many misconceptions out there around what eating disorders “look like.” The truth is there is no standard or commonality of what they look like. They affect young children through older adults, people of all weights and sizes and people of all genders and sexual identities.
If preoccupation with weight, food, exercise and body image is impacting your life then you are “sick enough” and you deserve to get treatment and help!
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. It takes courage for people to ask for help and insight to know when they need it. Everyone needs help now and then. There are strengths you have that have brought you here and we are ready to help you use those strengths to feel better and get back to life.
Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, we’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
What’s the difference between a therapist and a life coach?
Life-coaching resembles talk therapy, because the focus of sessions tends to be about you and what’s happening in your personal life. The point of life coaching is to create an action plan that helps you change your behavior in some area of your life. Life coaches can offer emotional support around our past and offer some insight regarding how that has shaped a person’s behaviors and actions. The life coach will focus on the present and help keep the client accountable in reaching the goals they have set for themselves. Therapists can also provide this, but they have the educational training and background to diagnose and treat mental illness and to provide intervention with traumatic life experiences. Therapists can also spend a great deal of more time helping clients moving forward from the past and clearing those blocks.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How do therapy and coaching work? What do I have to do in the sessions?
Because each person has different concerns, situations and goals for therapy and coaching, sessions will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic and coaching approaches to meet your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy or coaching. What can I do to help?
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
Can we do Telehealth or Virtual Coaching?
Yes. We use a HIPPA compliant platform to schedule video sessions with clients as desired. Our staff of life coaches are also committed to your privacy and confidentiality, which you will find in their consent agreement. You will need to have access to a quiet, private and uninterrupted space to utilize the telehealth option. Additionally, you will need access to a stable internet connection and the ability to use your phone, tablet or computer to access the app.
What about family counseling?
Family counseling is beneficial in therapy for many reasons. All situations and needs will be assessed and the opportunity for family counseling will be discussed when appropriate. Family counseling can help to strengthen family bonds, understanding and connection. Family therapy is often recommended in recovery from many mental health issues including eating issues and substance use. The caregiver may also find it beneficial to get their own individual support as well and a referral can be provided.