Shame-Free Support

Coaching vs Therapy

The Shame Free Therapy team includes licensed therapists and coaches. Both can be useful, but they are not interchangeable.

Shame-free affirming identity, consent, and relationship support visual

This may be right for you if

You recognize yourself in one or more of these starting points

You are not sure what to book

This page helps clarify the difference before inquiry.

You want support but not mental health treatment

Coaching may fit growth, education, embodiment, and skills-based goals.

You need clinical care

Therapy is the appropriate route for mental health diagnosis, treatment, trauma therapy, and licensed clinical care.

How this can help

Support that makes the next conversation easier

Clear service boundaries help protect clients and providers. The right fit depends on your goals, location, provider credentials, clinical needs, and whether the work is treatment, education, skill-building, or mentorship.

What sessions may focus on

  • What psychotherapy can and cannot offer
  • What coaching can and cannot offer
  • Jurisdiction and licensure considerations
  • When referral is the ethical next step
  • How the inquiry process routes clients

Who on our team works with this

Team members connected to this topic

Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT

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Sex, relationships, mental health, communication, shame-free education, and professional visibility.

Kaycie Crossley, MA, LMFT

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Trauma, attachment, relationship repair, LGBTQIA+, ENM/polyamory, kink-aware care, and virtual therapy in CA/ID.

Anna Lei, MA, LMFT

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Somatic psychotherapy for trauma, CPTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, identity, sex, relationships, and embodiment.

Shelby Terrell, MA, LMSW

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LGBTQIA+, non-monogamy/polyamory, kink, religious or purity-culture recovery, shame, communication, and life transitions.

Crystal

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Somatic intimacy coaching, secure attachment, communication, consent practice, and queer/poly/kink-affirming coaching.

Meryl

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Somatic sex and intimacy coaching for embodiment, communication, vulnerability, erotic self-knowledge, and pleasure.

Mel Delizia, MA, LCSW

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Coaching around identity, anxiety, coping skills, trauma-informed support, mindfulness, and personal goals.

Amanda Katherine Giles

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Somatic mentorship for embodiment, self-trust, people-pleasing recovery, helper burnout, and queer/non-monogamous support.

Related services and pages

Related articles and resources

FAQ

Common questions

Can coaching treat anxiety, trauma, or depression?

No. Coaching is not psychotherapy and should not be framed as diagnosis or treatment.

Can a licensed therapist also do coaching?

Possibly, but the service type, scope, boundaries, and jurisdiction still need to be clear.

Ready to find the right support path?

Start with the inquiry form. The team can help you confirm fit, availability, and whether therapy, coaching, or another resource is the right next step.