A couple weeks ago I was sitting in a restaurant next to a woman from Texas and we struck up a conversation about what we ‘do’ for work.  We actually had a lot in common.

After I answered her, she asked who I help and I gave her my familiar schpeel.  She continued to ask questions. 

This week, I thought it might be a good time to answer 10 of the most common questions I’m asked – questions like that of my Texan breakfast companion. 

1. What is the difference between therapy and life coaching?

Sometimes not very much.  Sometimes a lot!  But at the heart of it, therapy is a highly regulated industry that is aimed at helping individuals face the challenges of mental illness. Coaching is a wildly unregulated industry aimed at helping mentally well individuals flourish and thrive. As VeryWell Mind states, “The focus in psychotherapy is more on healing from the past, while the focus in coaching is more on getting you to where you wish to be next…. In reality, the differences between two psychotherapists or two coaches may be greater than the difference between a coach and a psychotherapist, depending on who they are.”

2. What are your credentials?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from BYU, a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in counseling from Utah State University, an additional Positive Psychology Certification from Salt Lake Community College, and a Life Coaching Certification from the Life Coach Training Institute.  

I spent 31 years in the public school system teaching and counseling 9th-12th grade students – a lot of whom were at-risk of not graduating. I have worked with them and their families on just about every challenge you can think of.  In addition, I have over 1800 hours of individual 1:1 coaching experience. 

3. Who do you help? How could it help me?

I am a general life coach so I help anyone – age 11 to 91 – with anything that is worrying them. My clients are men, women, moms, dads, young marrieds, older singles, young adults, teenagers, preteens, you name it.  

If you’re worrying about something in your life, if you’re not sure how to move forward, if you have a pain point you can’t figure out, or if you simply want to think about things in your life differently, I can help.  

4. What does it cost?  Do you take insurance?  

Right now, April 2024, I am charging $105 for new clients. And I am paid through self-pay on a business Venmo account or on PayPal.  I can provide a receipt or invoice if requested. 

For that price you get a 50-minute individual session with me via Zoom, and personalized notes. 

5. How often and for how long will I work with you?

I typically work with clients once a week, once every other week or once every four weeks to begin with.  We continue our work for as little or as long as you want – as long as it’s helpful.  

I have some clients who reach out just when they need a tune up and some clients I’ve seen weekly for years – and everything in between. it’s really up to you.   

6. What if I live far away from you?

I coach people all over the world via Zoom. No problem!

7. Is it confidential? Why should I trust you?

I take confidentiality seriously – even if I know you outside of our coaching relationship.  I hold strong boundaries.  No one will ever know from me that I am working with you.  You can tell whoever you want, of course, but I will never share that information.

8. What if I don’t always have something to talk about?

I got you!  I always have questions and exercises we can work through.  You can come to the call with something to talk about – or not!  

9. Do you have any free content?

I do!  

I post a weekly blog (this one!) on SallyAnnKelso.com – I’d love you to subscribe. 

I post a weekly ‘toolbox’ post on instagram and facebook at @sallyscoachingspot where I curate some wisdom I’ve learned from my recent research. 

I post a weekly ‘NFAS’ post (Notes from a Session) on instagram and facebook at @sallyscoachingspot where I give people an anonymous sample of my client notes to learn from.

10. What’s your favorite part of your job?

Hands down it’s talking with clients one on one – uninterrupted – for 50 whole minutes and helping them feel some relief. Their frustration, their laughter, and even their tears   remind me how lucky I am that each of these people are willing to trust me with their thoughts and feelings. 

I can’t wait to hear any of your other questions – please!  And, as always, THANK YOU so much for reading. 

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PS If you know of anyoned who would benefit from this post, I’d love you to pass it on to them.  They can subscribe here if they’re interested!