Coaching + Therapy: An Integrated Approach

Coaching + Therapy: An Integrated Approach

I’ve been a therapist since 1986 and am licensed in Virginia. Since 2016, I’ve also worked as a coach and am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This dual background allows me to offer a truly integrated approach that bridges deep therapeutic work with forward-focused coaching.

Some people don’t fit neatly into “coaching” or “therapy.”
They’re high-functioning, capable, and motivated—but something still feels stuck.

That’s where an integrated approach can be powerful.

What does it mean to combine coaching and therapy?

Coaching focuses on forward movement—goals, performance, clarity, and action.
Therapy explores the deeper patterns—relationships, emotional dynamics, and long-standing ways of being that may be shaping your experience.

When combined, we can:

• Move you forward and understand what’s getting in the way

• Address both external success and internal alignment

• Work with both strategy and underlying patterns

This isn’t switching back and forth—it’s a thoughtful, seamless approach tailored to you.

Who this is for

This work is especially helpful if you:

• Are high-performing but feel internally “off,” stuck, or dissatisfied

• Notice recurring patterns in relationships or work

• Struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or self-doubt despite success

• Are navigating a major transition (career, leadership, identity, relationships)

• Want deeper, more sustainable change—not just surface-level solutions

How it works

We start with a conversation to understand your goals, challenges, and what kind of support makes the most sense.

From there, we may:

• Focus more on coaching (when forward movement is primary)

• Focus more on therapy (when deeper work is needed)

• Integrate both, when appropriate and beneficial

As a licensed therapist in Virginia, I provide virtual therapy sessions and accept insurance. Coaching is available separately and is not covered by insurance.

Why this approach matters

Many people can “push through” and perform at a high level—
but without addressing the underlying patterns, the same challenges tend to repeat.

Integration allows for:

• More sustainable change

• Greater self-awareness and choice

• Improved relationships and leadership effectiveness

• A sense of alignment between how you perform and how you feel

A note on boundaries

Coaching and therapy are distinct services with different goals, ethics, and structures.
When we integrate them, it is done thoughtfully and in alignment with professional guidelines — so you receive the right kind of support at the right time.

Let’s start with a conversation

If you’re not sure what you need, that’s completely fine.
We can talk through what’s going on and determine the best approach together.

Schedule an Complimentary Introductory Consultation

Call 703.201.1490

If you’d prefer to email, please email paula@leadershipinstituteofvirginia.com. In the subject line, please pout “Integrated Approach Introductory Consultation.” In the body of the email, it would be helpful to include dates and times you’re available to meet. Thank you.