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?
I bring 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist. I hold a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Transpersonal Psychology.
While I’m no longer a licensed clinician, I draw from deep experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic approaches to help clients make real, lasting change.
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. Are you working to get your therapy license back?
No. I've decided to focus fully on life coaching. After years in the mental health field, I’ve found that I prefer supporting people outside the constraints of the medical model—helping people grow through skill-building, reflection, and action rather than diagnosis.
10. How do I get started?
Visit www.greenmountaindbt.com to sign up for a DBT skills class or schedule a free consultation. You can also email me directly at mike@greenmountaindbt.com.