Frequently Asked Questions
How is coaching different from psychotherapy or psychiatry?
Coaching is a collaborative, goal-focused relationship that supports skill-building, life planning, and personal growth. Unlike therapy or psychiatry:
- No diagnosis is needed — you can seek coaching for personal development without qualifying for a mental health disorder.
- It’s future-oriented — coaching focuses on where you want to go, not just where you’ve been.
- It’s de-stigmatizing — there are no medical labels or insurance records attached to coaching services.
By contrast:
- Psychotherapy treats diagnosable mental health conditions and may explore trauma or emotional pain.
- Psychiatry centers on medical evaluation and often medication management. It may be essential for some, but not all clients want or benefit from that model.
Why do clients choose coaching over therapy or psychiatry?
Some clients prefer coaching because:
- They want support without a clinical diagnosis
- They value skill-building more than symptom management
- They’re skeptical of over-medicalization and dependency on medication
- They appreciate the proactive, strengths-based nature of coaching
Coaching may be especially appealing to:
- People who want to avoid psychiatric diagnoses for privacy or cultural reasons
- Neurodivergent adults (e.g., ADHD, autism) who benefit from structure, not pathologization
- Clients from LGBTQ+ and culturally diverse backgrounds seeking affirming, identity-informed support
- Individuals seeking a male-identified coach who understands men’s experiences and emotional health
What are your coaching rates?
Rates vary depending on the type and length of service. Typical options include:
- Standard 50-minute session: $150–$250
- Sliding-scale sessions: Available upon request for those with financial need
- Immersive coaching days or packages: Starting at $1,500+
Each session includes individualized attention, preparation, and follow-up support.
Do you accept insurance?
No, coaching services are not covered by insurance. This helps ensure:
- Greater confidentiality (no medical records or diagnostic codes shared)
- More flexibility in session structure and goals
- More time spent working directly with clients, not navigating red tape
Many clients find coaching to be a worthwhile investment in long-term growth, especially compared to the limitations of insurance-based care.
Who trained you in coaching-related practices?
While not a traditional coaching certification, my background in clinical psychology and extensive practicum training forms the foundation of my coaching:
- Nancy Zucker, PhD — Clinical supervision in eating disorders, family therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Jill Howard, PhD & Katherine Loveland, PhD — Training in autism across the lifespan and family systems
- Chris Mauro, PhD — Experience in clinical trials and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Geraldine Dawson, PhD — Developmental psychology and translational autism methods, including the Early Start Denver Model
This training shapes my approach to neurodivergent-affirming, evidence-based, and identity-informed coaching that addresses real-life challenges in personalized ways.
Have more questions? Contact me at samuelmarsan@gmail.com.