What is Tele-coaching?
Tele-coaching includes the practice of consultation and education using interactive audio, video, and/or data communications.
Tele-coaching vs. Clinical therapy
Although there are some similarities between coaching and clinical therapy, they are very different activities. The major differences are in the goals, focus, and level of professional responsibility.
The focus of coaching is on the education, development, and implementation of strategies to reach client-identified goals, specific to your unique situation.
Coaching might address specific personal projects or issues. I specialize in relational distancing and provide coaching designed to educate you about different communication skills that can help address your issues.
In contrast, the primary focus of clinical therapy is the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and nervous disorders. The goals include alleviating symptoms and changing dysfunctional behaviors that are a result of these disorders.
It is important you understand that Dr. Scharp is not a clinical therapist. Her Ph.D is in interpersonal, family, and health communication. Thus, her consulting focus is on education and coaching. Coaching is not a replacement for ongoing personal counseling with a licensed professional.
Confidentiality
It is impossible to guarantee the protection of information that is transmitted electronically. In communicating with Dr. Scharp, you are consenting to the use of electronic communication between us via unencrypted mediums.
In the event a tele-coaching session includes multiple people, you commit yourself to maintaining the confidentiality of all information communicated to you by other coaching clients and by me.
Information disclosed to me during the course of my coaching, although generally confidential, might be subject to mandatory confidentiality exceptions, including reporting child, elder, and dependent adult abuse; or reporting of expressed threats of violence toward an identifiable victim.
Health Insurance
Because I am engaged in coaching and not clinical therapy, I am unable to submit bills to your healthcare insurance provider.
Cancellations
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate unless I am able to fill your scheduled time.