FAQs

Depending on the type of therapy being practiced, resilience-focused life coaching may be similar to, or totally different from therapy. Life coaching is primarily present- and future-focused, making it different from types of therapy that delve into a person’s past. It also involves setting specific, measurable goals to move you towards your desired outcomes, which may or may not resemble the approach taken in therapy. And while people with mental health diagnoses can absolutely benefit from life coaching, it is not designed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. However, people can benefit from receiving both life coaching and therapy simultaneously.

Communicating between sessions is a great way to maintain motivation and forward movement on your life coaching journey. I’m there for you, whether that means celebrating a win, providing emotional support, or brainstorming ways to approach a challenge! You may message me or leave a voice note between sessions, and I respond to messages within 24 hours. We can also discuss having regular check-ins during the week according to what you desire.

Resilience coaching is a collaborative, forward-looking partnership between you and a coach. In a coaching relationship, the coach provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your aspirations, challenges, values, and beliefs. Rather than prescribing fixed solutions, a coach helps you clarify what you want out of life—your long-term goals, day-to-day priorities, personal values—and supports you in discovering the path that aligns with those.
Through a series of coaching sessions, you and I will:

• Explore your current situation and any obstacles (internal or external) holding you back.
• Identify your desired outcomes.
• Set concrete goals or intentions, whether related to career, relationships, health, personal growth, life transitions, or other areas.
• Break those goals into actionable steps and realistic plans.
• Monitor progress, reflect on wins and setbacks, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Build a growth mindset, confidence, clarity, and resilience so you’re better equipped to make decisions, overcome self-doubt, and move forward.

Resilience-focused life coaching is not therapy or counseling — it doesn’t focus on healing past trauma or diagnosing mental health disorders. Instead, it’s about empowering you to move forward, make choices aligned with your authentic self, and design a life that reflects what you truly want.

Working with a resilience coach can be especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or indecisive — or simply ready for growth but don’t know where to begin. Over time, coaching fosters clarity, confidence, and purpose, helping you take meaningful action and live more intentionally. Learn more about my approach here: https://blueferncoaching.com/mary-simon-certified-professional-life-coach/

Absolutely. In fact, many clients come to coaching because they’re unsure what they want next. You don’t need to have clarity before you begin — gaining clarity is part of the coaching process.
Through powerful questions, reflection, and guided exploration, coaching can help you:

• Identify what feels misaligned or unfulfilling
• Clarify your values, priorities, and vision
• Explore what you genuinely want versus what you “should” want
• Build confidence and direction as possibilities become clearer

You don’t have to have the answers right now. Coaching creates the space, structure, and support to help you discover them.

Yes. Coaching with me is fully confidential and grounded in respect, safety, and professionalism. Anything you share in our sessions stays between us.

As a Resilience Coach, I follow the ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards established in the coaching profession. This means:

• Your personal information is not shared with anyone
• Session content remains private
• You always choose what you’re comfortable discussing

Coaching works best when you feel safe to be open and honest. Creating that safe space is one of my top priorities.

Therapy focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and symptom reduction. Resilience-focused life coaching focuses more on helping you clarify what matters, make values-based decisions, and take action in your life—even when anxiety is present. Many clients use coaching alongside or after therapy.

Yes. Clients may seek post-therapy resilience and life coaching when they understand their patterns but feel stuck applying what they’ve learned to real-world goals, relationships, or life direction.

Coaching is designed to help you move forward without waiting for certainty, confidence, or negative emotions to disappear. However, if you struggle with a huge amount of anxiety, therapy may or may not be a more appropriate avenue (or may be done at the same time as coaching). I am happy to help you figure out whether therapy or coaching is the most appropriate fit for you. 

• Decision-making and self-trust
• Overthinking and perfectionism
• Productivity and follow-through
• Relationships and boundaries
• Purpose, meaning, and life direction