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Dr. Teresa Smith

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Is Mental Health Coaching the Same Thing as Therapy/Counseling?

The terms mental health coach, therapist, and counselor are sometimes used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While both coaches and therapists aim to improve well-being, the differences lie in their training, goals, and methods. Knowing which path is right for you depends on what kind of support you’re looking for. 

Mental Health Coaches vs. Licensed Therapists

The main differences lie in these areas: 

Training

Therapists are licensed professionals with graduate degrees and clinical experience. Mental health coaches, on the other hand, are not licensed to diagnose or treat mental illness. 

Focus

Coaching often emphasizes goal-setting, motivation, and mindset. Therapy explores mental health concerns, emotional healing, and past trauma. 

Conditions Treated

Therapists help with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other clinical diagnoses. Coaches generally work with individuals who are emotionally stable but want to improve focus, confidence, or general balance. 

Structure

Therapy may be open-ended and process-oriented. Coaching typically follows a short-term, structured format with specific goals in mind. 

Privacy Laws

Therapists are bound by HIPAA and clinical ethics; coaches are not subject to the same legal requirements. 

Therapy or Coaching: Which Do You Need?

While mental health coaches can be helpful, they are not a replacement for a licensed therapist, especially if you’re dealing with clinical symptoms. Consider your current challenges. Are you looking for deeper healing or mental health treatment? If so, a licensed therapist is probably the best choice. Luckily, you’re in the right place for that. 

Ready to Work With a Mental Health Professional?

You deserve care that matches your needs. If you’re feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, a mental health coach might not cut it. Contact us today to speak with a licensed therapist instead, someone who has the training and certifications necessary to support your mental and emotional health. We can’t wait to meet you! 

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Hidden Behind a Smile: The Scariest Part About Depression

“I have to put on a happy face so my friends and family don’t worry about me.” 

“I still can’t believe he was depressed. He was always laughing and smiling!” 

“I can still have a good time with my friends, so what I’m feeling can’t be depression.” 

Depression is a serious mental health condition, but it isn’t always obvious. Some people laugh, socialize, go to work, and maintain the appearance of being “fine” while quietly battling overwhelming sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness. This type of depression—often called smiling depression or high-functioning depression—can be especially dangerous because it goes unnoticed for far too long. 

Learn to Notice the Signs of Silent Struggling

There are many reasons a person might hide depression symptoms. They may feel invalidated by others or guilty for feeling low despite seeming to “have it all together.” They may downplay their emotions or avoid seeking depression therapy out of fear of being misunderstood. In this case, the signs will be more subtle, such as: 

  • Constantly tired despite appearing productive 

  • Using humor to deflect emotional conversations 

  • Overcommitting to avoid being alone with their thoughts 

  • An internal dialogue filled with self-criticism 

  • Feeling disconnected or numb even during joyful moments 

This form of depression often affects the high achievers who feel people rely on them—perfectionists, caregivers, and professionals. But no one should struggle silently. 

How Depression Therapy Helps

Depression therapy creates space to explore what you’re feeling beneath the surface. With the help of a personal therapist, you will: 

  • Name emotions you’ve been suppressing 

  • Identify thought patterns that reinforce isolation 

  • Learn new coping tools to reduce emotional burnout 

  • Reconnect with purpose and pleasure 

So, if someone you know is wearing a mask every day, or if you’re feeling empty behind that smile, it’s time to speak up. Reach out to our practice today to be connected with a therapist who understands depression—both the visible and invisible kinds. 

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5 Ways to Raise Your Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem has become an epidemic in this country, and one that negatively impacts our quality of life. Feelings of unworthiness can begin at a young age and, if neglected, can potentially lead to depression and anxiety.

Because low self-esteem can be so damaging, finding ways to feel better about ourselves and our abilities is vital to our well-being. Here are 5 ways to increase your self-esteem:

  1. Quiet That Inner Critic

Negative self-talk is a common issue for people with low self-esteem. If you’re one of those people whose inner critic is constantly beating them up, it’s important you quiet that voice. Try to replace any negative comments with positive ones. Stop focusing on your weaknesses and instead focus on your strengths and abilities.

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

We are all so unique. Sadly, instead of celebrating what makes us individuals, many of us spend time comparing ourselves to others. And, should we find we don’t quite measure up to others’ standards, we feel inadequate. Stop comparing yourself to others and instead concentrate on being the best version of you that you can be.

  1. Give Up the Quest to be Perfect

Being human means being imperfect. We all have flaws, we are all works in progress. And that’s okay. Striving to be something that simply doesn’t exist is futile and exhausting. And before you say that so many celebrities are perfectly beautiful and lead perfect lives, guess again. Hollywood’s A-listers are typically photoshopped and many have been treated for depression and addiction. They are human and struggling like anyone else.

Stop trying to be perfect and instead set attainable goals for yourself.

  1. Start Loving Your Body

Many people struggle with body image issues. Much of it is because of the photoshopping I just mentioned. It’s hard to love your body when you are expected to look like the people that grace the covers of magazines.

Instead of focusing on what your body looks like, on how much you weigh or how big your muscles are, focus on being healthy. Be grateful for your health and make healthy choices so you can always feel good and vibrant.

  1. Cut Back on Social Media

Social media has its good points, but it can also set unrealistic expectations regarding relationships and lifestyles. It’s important to remember that online, people tend to only post images that make their lives seem awesome. But that’s not always an accurate presentation. Spending too much time looking at other people leading fun lives can lead us to spending less time enjoying our own.

If self-esteem issues have become a serious problem in your life, leading to anxiety and depression, consider working with a therapist who can help you work through your memories and emotions.

If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.

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How to Bring Up Resilient Children

Have you heard the phrase “helicopter parent?” It describes a mother or father that ‘hovers’ around their child 24/7, overseeing their life to keep them from every potential danger, pitfall and mishap. It looks good on paper, but this kind of parenting forgets one important fact of reality: life happens.

Adversity happens to all of us. Those children who engage with adversity in their formative years learn how to handle it well and come up with strategies and solutions. These are the kids that grow up to be resilient, getting right back up when life knocks them down a few pegs.

 

Here are some ways parents can raise resilient children:

Plant the Right Mindset

How your child sees the world and their own potential in it directly informs how they make decisions. Teach them a positive and empowering mindset from the beginning. Teach them that failure does not exist, only learning what works and what doesn’t. Failing grades and losing games aren’t the end of the world, though they may feel like it. What really matters is the commitment and effort they put into reaching their goal.

Don’t Meet Their Every Need

A child will never be able to develop their own coping strategies if someone is there every second making sure they never become hurt or disappointed. Do your best to NOT overprotect your children and give them some space to figure it out all on their own.

Help Your Children Connect

Social children who are well connected to others feel a sense of support and resilience. Authentic relationships provide a safe space and a person to talk to about their feelings. Help socialize your child as soon as possible so they can form deep connections on their own as they grow.

Let Them Take Some Risks

All parents want to keep their kids safe, but there comes a point when you’ve got to let go a bit and let them learn HOW to be safe on their own. For instance, one day your child will need to get their driver’s license. You can help that older child be a safe driver by allowing their younger self to ride their bicycle around the neighborhood. This will teach them to pay attention, look both ways, etc.

Teach Them the Right Skills

Instead of focusing on the ‘danger’ or uncomfortableness of a situation, teach your child how to navigate it. For instance, if he or she is going away to summer camp for the first time, brainstorm some ideas of how they can learn to be comfortable away from home. Pack their favorite blanket. Talk to them about calling you at certain times to check in. Teach them how to solve their own problems. This is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.

 

Resiliency isn’t something that’s automatically handed down to kids; it’s something that must be instilled and molded over time. Planting these seeds now will set your child up for success in their future.

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