How can you tell if you need a counselor or a coach?

I’ve been a Counselor for 16 years. I’ve gone all the way from a registered counselor with a High School degree and Adult Education, to a Masters in Addictions with a license to practice independently. I’m also certified as a Clinical Supervisor, which means I supervise counselors who don’t have a full license to practice independently. It’s important to note that my Counseling and Supervision practice is limited to North Carolina. As a counselor, I work with Headway and accept Aetna and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. If you’re interested in Clinical Supervision, I work with Motivo. You can also reach me here at [email protected]

Anyway, when I’m counseling someone, it means I’ve done an assessment, and the patient or client meets the criteria for a substance use disorder. It’s not as scary as it sounds, and ALL counseling needs to have a diagnosis if you have an addiction issue and you’re working with a counselor. Counseling also usually involves an individual treatment plan, and needs to follow the federal, state, accreditation and company policies and procedures. These are REALLY good things: treatment needs to be handled professionally, and your rights, privacy, and well-being need to be protected. As a clinical supervisor and program director, I worked very hard to make sure YOU were protected and received the best treatment possible. Even in my private practice, I need follow thorough guidelines and strict standards. And so do my colleagues.

As a Clinical Supervisor, I work with counselors to provide training and support, so they can follow the same standards. I work in groups or 1:1, and help guide them through the whole process. Again, I need to follow strict guidelines, since I’m also variously liable for the treatment you receive from a counselor I supervise. And, yes, I’ve had to testify for and against counselors. It’s a formal, professional relationship. And love it!

Coaching is a different thing altogether: there’s no formal diagnosis involved. I’m not doing an assessment, writing a treatment plan, or even taking notes. I also don’t ‘educate’ you or lecture you about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Instead, as a coach, I’m letting you take charge! You write and maintain your goals, take any notes on the session, and make ALL of the decisions. That being said, if you do need or want a referral to formal services, I work with you to find a counselor. Please keep in mind: I can’t do both at the same time, which would be a ‘dual-relationship.’

A similar thing happens when I coach counselors, therapists and executives: all I do is listen and help you process what you have going on. Our relationship is not governed by a counseling board, federal or state requirements or the agenda of your company. We just establish a safe place where you can talk to someone who has experience with the issues and trails of being a counselor. Things like empathy fatigue, burnout or even career choices.

If you’re wondering if your use of any substance, or even habit, is something you can address, a coach like me can be a really good choice. No diagnosis needed, no required treatment plan, no worries about progress notes. It’s just you and me, talking about your life and exploring your options. The only thing to keep in mind is I won’t be counseling, advising, or ‘treating.’ I have a network of colleagues available if you need that level of service. We don’t have to end the coaching if you move onto treatment, but we can put things on hold if you want to.

So, if you. need substance use counseling, and you live in North Carolina, I can help as a Licensed Counselor or as a Coach.

If you’re a counselor in North Carolina, I am available for both Supervision and Coaching.

If you live outside of North Carolina, I am available for coaching.

If you’re curious, or you have any questions, you can reach us at leebellaLLC.com. I can’t wait to hear from you!

-S