Exploring Our Services: Life Skills Coaching vs. Mental Health Counselling

Last month at Aspire, we announced the launch of mental health counselling as an additional service offered at our space. To expand on this exciting news, we wanted to share more about the differences, and similarities, between our services.

Let's start with something important. All of our services, whether it be 1:1 coaching, counselling, or group programs, aim to be neuro-affirming. This is our top priority as an organization that supports and empowers neurodivergent people. To add to that, both coaching and counselling services are offered in-person and virtually so that we can truly meet you where you are. Both services are eligible for OAP funding and may be covered by extended health benefits with Social Worker coverage. Lastly, we do not require a diagnosis to access our services. 

Life Skills Coaching 

Our 1:1 coaching services are ideal for folks with specific, non clinical goals. Our coaches use a practical, empowering, and supportive approach to help you meet your goals. Coaching sessions are typically up to one hour in length and may include topics such as : 

• Social skills 

• Executive functioning Skills

• Study skills & strategies

• Employment readiness & job retention 

• Community skills 

• Kitchen safety & cooking Skills 

• Basic emotional awareness & coping tools

• Self confidence 

These are the more common goals we support in coaching, but we love to get creative and work with you to determine your unique goals.

Mental Health Counselling 

Our counselling services are ideal for folks who are experiencing more significant emotional and mental health challenges. Folks who seek counselling may be looking to deepen their understanding of day to day experiences and explore clinical ways to manage unwanted mental health symptoms and behaviours. Our counsellors are guided by clinical approaches such as  Psychoeducation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length and could include topics such as: 

• Anxiety and depression

• Self acceptance and identity

• Emotional regulation

• Social experiences and masking 

• Coping tools

Both counselling and coaching services offer valuable support for achieving goals and enhancing daily functioning. If needed, both services can be accessed at the same time, and our team can work together on common goals, such as developing coping tools and implementing strategies, while respecting confidentiality. 

If you are unsure which pathway best suits your goals, we encourage you to contact us at connect@aspireservices.ca.