Being coached through depression is not for the weak. This is not therapy or counseling. It is a mission to kick depression’s butt and regain joy.
If you choose to go through this process, you will not be coddled and your hand will not be held. You will be challenged, pushed and stretched beyond what you think you are capable of. It took years of negative habits, thinking patterns and dysfunction to get you to the breaking point. It will take immediate and drastic action to begin turning things around.
During your first 45 minute evaluation call you will not only evaluate me, the coach, but I will also evaluate you, the client. If either of us decides that the relationship is not a match, that will be it. But if, together, we conclude that you are indeed ready to take dramatic steps to turn things around, we will discuss an ongoing coaching contract that will likely include me meeting with you AND your supervisors or church governing board. You will not recover from depression in secret. Understand that now.
To make it through this process and find joy in ministry again, you must be willing to do daily homework and submit yourself to accountability. Without that, you will continue to spiral. Let’s not waste anyone’s time or your money if you aren’t willing to work harder on yourself than you’ve ever worked in your life!
Client Confidentiality
What you share with me stays with me.
Everything discussed in our coaching sessions is held in strict confidence. I will not share your name, your story, or anything you tell me with anyone, including your church, your denomination, your family, or any other party, unless you give me permission.
There is one exception, and I will be straight with you about it upfront:
If at any point I believe you are in imminent danger of harm to yourself or others, or if I have reason to suspect abuse of a minor or a spouse, I am obligated to contact the appropriate authorities. This is not negotiable and it is not personal. It is the right thing to do.
Outside of that single exception, what happens in our sessions stays between us.
I am not a licensed counselor and this is not therapy. But the same standard of trust that you would expect from a counselor applies here. You cannot do the hard work of recovery without a safe place to be honest. I intend to be that place.