Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is life coaching, and how is it different from therapy?
Life coaching focuses on helping people build the life they want by setting goals, identifying patterns, and developing practical skills. It’s about growth, action, and transformation—not diagnosing or treating mental illness.
Think of it like going to the gym or eating vegetables: both are great for your health, but neither is psychotherapy. Coaching supports well-being, but it's not clinical care.
2. Can I work with you if I have a mental health diagnosis?
Yes—but it’s important to understand that life coaching is not a replacement for therapy. I no longer practice psychotherapy and do not assess, diagnose, or treat mental health conditions.
If you need therapy, I recommend checking PsychologyToday.com or speaking with your primary care provider. That said, many people with or without diagnoses benefit from coaching to work toward clarity, connection, and meaningful goals.
3. What qualifies you to be a life coach?
From years of working as a psychotherapist, I saw firsthand how the traditional mental health system can often be more about labeling people than truly helping them. The medical model, with its emphasis on diagnosis and pathology, often overlooks an individual's inherent strengths and potential for growth. In my experience, this approach can feel dehumanizing and disempowering for clients.
That's why I've chosen to step away from the medical model and embrace life coaching. My focus is on personal empowerment and skill development. I'm here to help you build the tools you need to navigate life's challenges and create the future you want.
Instead of focusing on what's "wrong," we'll work together on:
Skill Building: Learning and applying practical skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Cognitive and Internal Work: Utilizing principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thought patterns and incorporating insights from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand different parts of yourself and foster inner harmony.
Action-Oriented Change: Focusing on tangible goals and creating a clear path forward, rather than dwelling on the past.
Client Autonomy: Empowering you to become your own best resource and take charge of your well-being.
While I hold a Master of Social Work and have a background in psychotherapy, my practice is solely focused on coaching. This means we're partnering on a journey of growth and change, not engaging in medical treatment.
Coaching with me is about giving you the tools to take charge of your life. We'll partner on a range of goals to help you thrive, including:
Building emotional resilience to better navigate life's ups and downs.
Mastering practical skills like those from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness to help you stay present and grounded.
Boosting your communication to improve your relationships and self-confidence.
Developing a sense of purpose and structure in your daily life.
Navigating significant life changes and creating strategies to handle stress.
My work is focused on personal growth and I do not participate in the medical model. If your needs at this time require you to think in terms of the paradigm of mental illness rather than personal transformation, please seek a licensed psychotherapist but you can still see me for coaching as well if my approach sounds good to you.
4. What kind of clients do you work with?
I work best with people who are ready to grow, even if they don’t feel ready yet. Many of my clients identify as neurodivergent, sensitive, creative, or emotionally intense. Coaching is especially helpful for those who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of sync with themselves or others—and are looking for guidance grounded in real-world tools and compassion.
5. Do you accept insurance?
No. Coaching is not a medical service, so it is not eligible for insurance reimbursement. That also means no diagnosis, no paperwork submitted to insurance companies, and more privacy and flexibility in how we work together.
6. Where and how do sessions happen?
All sessions take place virtually via Zoom. That means you can meet with me from anywhere—your couch, your office, or even outer space (assuming you’ve got a solid WiFi connection).
7. Are your DBT groups therapy?
No. These are DBT skills training classes, not group therapy. They are educational, not clinical, and open to anyone looking to build emotional regulation, self-respect, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each group meets once per week on Zoom—you’ll choose the day/time that works best for you and stick with that group as your cohort.
8. Can I keep seeing my therapist and also work with you as a coach?
Yes. Many of my coaching clients continue with their own therapist. Coaching and therapy can complement each other well—therapy may focus on healing and processing, while coaching helps you build structure and momentum in daily life.
9. Do You Offer Services in My Area?
Yes! My DBT skills groups and one-on-one life coaching sessions are available online via Zoom, so you can join from virtually anywhere — whether you're in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or beyond. I specialize in working with clients across North America and internationally.
🇺🇸 United States – All 50 States
If you're looking for a DBT skills group in your state or DBT life coaching near you, I likely serve your area. I work with clients in all 50 U.S. states, including:
California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and more, plus:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
🇨🇦 Canada – All Provinces and Territories
Whether you’re looking for a DBT skills group in Ontario, BC, or Quebec, you’re welcome to join from anywhere in Canada. Full list:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
🇲🇽 Mexico – DBT Coaching Online
I offer coaching to clients across Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Puebla. All sessions are conducted in English, but you are welcome to use a translator if needed.
🌐 International Clients Welcome
I also work with clients worldwide. If you have access to Zoom and speak English or can bring a translator, you're welcome to join. I currently serve clients from:
United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Germany, Netherlands, France, Sweden, and more.
10. How do I get started?
click on the orange button below to request a 15 minute consultation or contact me at mike@greenmountaindbt.com or call/text me at 802-399-6041 to sign up or if you have additional questions!