I’m a Life Coach, Speaker & Licensed Professional Counselor/Marriage & Family Therapist.
How would you describe what you do?
I speak about matters of the heart, recovery after loss, & how to get along with other humans! I work with people to achieve their life’s goals & to embrace their life to Enjoy Life Moore! I sit with people in their heartache & pain. I facilitate growth & transformation.
What does your work entail?
Speech writing & presentations, scheduling appointments, collecting money, talking with people about their life, active listening, giving feedback. Caring enough to confront! Saying no. Setting good boundaries. Modeling how to live a healthy & happ(ier) life. Encouragement. Insight. Processing. Getting peer input. Continuing education. Note taking/chart-keeping.
What’s a typical work week like?
I do a good amount of distance counseling via Skype, Viber & FaceTime or phone calls. I try to do all of those on a Tuesday. I go into the office Wednesdays & Thursdays. I use Monday as a flex day & always take Friday off. I see clients for 60, 75 or 90 min sessions. I take notes as we meet. Follow up to ensure payments. Reschedule apps that change. I spend lunch breaks everyday (at least 75 mins) either with a good friend or being quiet somewhere nearby to eat. I take breaks to walk, get outside, rest.
How did you get started?
I started in a psychiatric hospital & also under supervision in 2 private practices. After licensed, I relocated & worked for a ministry & a non profit. Then slowly opened my private office while I worked full time in a partial day program.
What do you like about what you do?
After 24 years in mental health I enjoy life coaching appointments, writing & speaking the most. Therapy is becoming g more & more taxing.
What do you dislike?
Arguing married couples. Chasing down a payment. Holding fast to my standards of business when someone asks for special favors. (Wearing all the hats.)
How do you make money/or how are you compensated?
I charge in increments of 60, 75 & 90 minutes – set fees. Pay by cash/check or credit card. I charge packaged fees for coaching and set fees for speaking. I require those packages paid upfront.
How much do you make?
$0-25,000 ____
$25k-$35k ____
$50k-75K ____
$75k-100k _x_
$100-$200k ____
$200k-$300k ____
$300k+ ____
Additional comments: things fluctuate on the economy. When it’s good, I’m where I’ve marked. When it’s leaner, it’s 50K- 75K.
How much money did/do you make starting out?
In the hospitals at first it was 10$/hr. Then in ministry 35K/yr. In private practice: started at less than 12K/year part time. It grew every year.
What education, schooling, or skills are needed to do this?
Masters degree, then licensed by the States.
What is most challenging about what you do?
The constant giving nature of the work. And I don’t really get to talk about myself. I feel alone often even though I’m seeing people all day. (I’m an extrovert.)
What is most rewarding?
Watching true transformation happen on a sustainable level for people or groups. Watching the lightbulb go on for someone. Laughing with a client over a funny story- we are all just people after all longing for connection.
What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
Are you more interested in getting your own problems solved or in facilitating someone solving theirs. If the former, choose a different path. Are you willing to pay your dues? It would be the smartest thing you could do to spend at least 2 years working units in a psychiatric hospital.
How much time off do you get/take?
I choose the days off I take now that the business is self sustaining. I also go away on vacation 1 week in the fall & 10 days at Christmas. I take Fridays off & often most of Monday. This is all possible because I am self-employed.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
That we fix people. That I’m getting rich because we charge so much. – (I’m just one person- so my time is very valuable)
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
To counsel less, coach more, speak & write even more than that.
What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
That it takes a lot of skill, wisdom & continued training to do this job. It’s worth what you are paid & you have to be comfortable asking for what you both need & want. If you are looking for a therapist: You need to choose your therapist after having met them at least twice & if you don’t trust them…ask for another referral. That who I am when I’m in my therapist role isn’t the totality of my existence.