Frequently Asked Questions
I realize that you may have questions beyond these FAQs.
Simply message me, and I will promptly get back to you.
Wellness and Career Coaching
Q: Can I work with you as my Coach even if I live outside of Western New York?
A: Absolutely. I use a secure platform, Simple Practice, for audio visual sessions, document exchange, secure messaging, and processing payments. To learn more,
Q: I don’t know which would be better for me- Coaching or Counseling- Can you help me figure that out?
A: Sure thing! Let’s chat virtually or by phone- your choice! Schedule a time that works for you at BOOK A FREE CONSULT so you can decide if Coaching or Counseling is better for you. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to review my Psychology Today profile.
Q: I’m looking for a Coach with actual leadership and/or entrepreneurial experience and successful coaching experience- someone who is relatable. Where can I learn how you’ve helped others?
A: Great question! I am fortunate that those I’ve worked with offer to share their experiences with me and impact of our time together. Here’s what people are saying:
Q: There are so many people marketing themselves- it’s hard to know who to choose as a Coach. What is something I should know about you so that I can decide if we’re a good fit?
A: I routinely hear from those that I work with that they have gained valuable knowledge/resources, connections, strategies, and created results from our work together. They valued me as compassionate and empathetic, effective and skillful, a strengths-based approach to holistic well-being, and my expertise with stress and burnout.
It’s super rewarding to be working with those who’d been referred by those that I have worked with, as well as those I’ve worked with in other arenas who are interested in working with me for coaching. You may also find it helpful to review Testimonials the experiences of those that I have worked with.
Q: How do you incorporate leadership assessments in your coaching?
A: While I am not yet certified in many of the popular assessments (Hogan, Strength Finders, DISC, Strength Finders), I partner with others who are. We then leverage the results to tap into your insights and awareness about how you see the results of your leadership assessments playing out and determine where it makes sense to invest.
Let’s be sure I answer your questions with a complimentary consult by phone call or video BOOK A FREE CONSULT.
Q: Is Coaching a service that you offer to companies, businesses or organizations?
A: Sure thing! Having been a non-profit leader, I understand that investing in people is at the core of any business’s success. Contracting with a Coach for leadership/professional development offers a variety of advantages to the team member, the programming, and the business.
For the entrepreneurs that I work with, they appreciate how our time together augments their business strategies and success- a wise investment!
I’d love to talk more so you can determine if my expertise and experience align with your needs for a Coach. Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Pedi-Purpose (Coaching while walking)
Q: I help organize various events and fundraisers. Would you be interested in serving as an event sponsor or donating to the fundraiser?
A: Please! Community service and giving back are important to me. I often donate my time and services as a vendor, sponsor, and/or with gift certificates, gift cards, or raffle baskets. Please message me with the details! I’ll promptly get back to you.
Q: I really like the idea of coaching while walking, but I don’t walk fast and can’t go far - is that ok?
A: Absolutely- YOU are in charge of your Pedi-Purpose sessions!
You decide…
- The frequency of sessions
- Date, time, and location of sessions
- Length and distance of sessions
- Walking pace
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: I want to purchase a Pedi-Purpose package. What’s the next step?
A: You are taking the first step! Congrats. Ok – Let’s Connect – Choose a time to meet via Google Meet or phone. I can answer other questions, you can decide which Pedi-Purpose package you’d like, and we can get the first session scheduled at a time and location convenient for you.
Q: Do you ever have special offers for your Pedi-Purpose packages?
A: I sure do! Subscribe to receive my emails for VIP access to all blogs, events announcements and other offers.
Q: Can I purchase a Pedi-Purpose package as a gift for someone else (friend, family, colleague, employee)?
A: Absolutely- it’s such a perfect gift for anyone (including you) who’s expressed feeling uncertain about next steps or who they can reach out to for guidance. Please message me with a good time to get back to you.
Q: Is Pedi-Purpose a service that you offer to companies, businesses or organizations?
A: Sure thing! As a Wellness Strategist, I understand the importance of investing in team members. I treasure opportunities to work with organizations that recognize that their employees’ well-being and resilience are crucial for navigating high and potentially chronic stress, and are invested in promoting team member well-being and mitigating team member burnout.
Contracting with me for Pedi-Purpose (Coach while walking) affords layers of strategic stress recovery for team members- the foundation for mitigating team members’ burnout, and benefits to the business- outputs, reduced healthcare costs, and reduced payroll costs.
I’d love to talk with you more so you can determine how Pedi-Purpose at your organization can add a valuable perk for distinguishing your brand.
Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: What if the weather is bad at a time when we’re scheduled for a Pedi-Purpose session?
A: Ultimately, you get to decide if we’ll keep our session or not. Safety ALWAYS comes first. Ice and dangerous wind chills are an absolute reschedule (to another day and time, or to an indoor or virtual session). Many people have expressed appreciation for strengthening their mental resilience when facing adverse weather conditions.
Please notify me immediately by phone/text at 716.539.0498 or here to let me know what’s going on. I’ll work with you to reschedule and waive the “late cancel” fee.
Consulting
Q: A colleague of mine recommended you as a wellness workshop facilitator related to stress, mental health and burnout. With whom do you partner to offer workshops?
A: As a Wellness Strategist I understand the importance of investing in both individual and workplace wellness. I often work with organizations who recognize that their employees’ well-being and resilience is crucial for navigating high, and potentially chronic stress, and are invested to mitigate team member burnout.
While not limited to these, I often work with:
- Medical providers: Chiropractors, PCP, OBGYN, etc.
- State and local government units
- Educational institutions
- Human services agencies
Let’s talk to explore how I can help. Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: I understand that you assist with strategic planning and capacity building with non-profit organizations. Can you share your approach?
A: I primarily partner with Mary Beth Debus, Program Savvy Consulting. Mary Beth is highly regarded in WNY; it’s a privilege to work alongside her on many projects. We both serve as Consultants in the nonprofit lifecycle – let us know how we can help!
Please message me with the details or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: I’m looking for a wellness workshop facilitator related to stress, mental health and burnout. My colleague recommended that I reach out to you. I am interested in setting that up for my company/organization but want to learn more about what it entails. How best to do so?
A: I’m intrigued and happy to tailor to your vision/needs! Let’s connect! Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: An executive colleague of mine noted how valuable you were in helping their organization with a short-term transition/absence/vacancy. I am seeking support (about 3-6 months) with interim leadership/operations management for a non-profit organization with which I work closely. Do you contract by the hour? As a flat project rate?
A: Let’s talk to determine what makes most sense for the organization – an hourly rate or a project rate. Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Q: A colleague of mine recommended you as a wellness workshop facilitator related to stress, mental health and burnout. With whom do you partner to offer workshops?
A: As a Wellness Strategist, I understand the importance of investing in individual and workplace wellness. I often work with organizations that recognize that their employees’ well-being and resilience are crucial for navigating high and potentially chronic stress, and are invested in mitigating team member burnout.
While not limited to these, I often work with:
- Medical providers: Chiropractors, PCP, OBGYN, etc.
- State and local government units
- Educational institutions
- Human services agencies
Let’s talk to explore how I can help. Book a free consult or give me a call at 716.539.0498.
Counseling
Q: What geographical areas to do you serve?
A: At this time I am limited to providing counseling within New York state. My Wellness Coaching, however, is available throughout the United States.
Q: I am interested in counseling, but I will need to work around my work schedule. What are your hours? How long are the sessions? And are you flexible with meeting times?
A: Ease and accessibility for those I work with are the primary reasons I provide counseling via telehealth.
- I keep my hours of operation current on my Google Business profile.
- To accommodate the quality of your session, please plan to be available for ~ 55 minutes.
- As may be needed, we can work together to explore convenient times and exceptions to my regular schedule.
NOTE: Your mental health is as important as appointments with your dentist, PCP, OB/GYN, and other specialists. Be sure to check with your organization’s HR department about flexible time for mental health appointments.
Q: What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy for counseling sessions?
A: With respect for me and others who may benefit from your scheduled timeslot, I require at least 48 hours’ notice. More detailed information about rescheduling and cancellations is provided at the time of enrollment.
I also understand- emergencies happen. Please notify me immediately via secure messaging within the client portal, or here, to let me know what’s going on. I’ll work with you to reschedule and consider an exception to the “late cancel” fee.
Q: This is my first time exploring counseling. How often will I need to meet with you?
A: It’s most important that you can keep consistent, so we’ll work around your availability. To start, sessions are typically scheduled weekly to bi-weekly to ensure adequate time to co-create a meaningful care plan that can guide you to accomplish your goals. We then shift to a frequency that you deem most helpful to you.
I am certainly happy to talk more about your first counseling experience. Choose a time that works well for you!
Q: I am eager to get started with counseling. How long will I need to wait for the first appointment?
A: Depending on the day and time that works best for you, I may be able to meet with you as quickly as within one week. I recommend scheduling an introductory meeting during which I can answer questions, and we can explore common availability in our calendars to expedite scheduling.
Q: Insurance can be super intimidating. I’d like to use my insurance, but it can be challenging to know if my insurance covers it, what my co-pay is, etc. Do you take care of that part?
A: I understand – navigating insurance can often feel confusing, overwhelming, and at times, discouraging.
I certainly can help you obtain the benefit information for your plan. We can do that in two ways- I can call with your information, or you can call with my NPI #. Either way, it’s best for us to meet via Google Meet or phone to talk further and decide how to get benefit confirmation. Choose a time that works well for you!
For the most current listing of insurances I accept, please see my Psychology Today profile.
Q: I hear a lot about EMDR and other trauma-specialized practices. What is your primary approach to working with people and trauma?
A: While I do provide trauma-informed care, I am not certified to provide any specialized trauma resolution techniques or care. I offer a strengths-based, solution-focused approach, incorporating both Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapies.
View the Counseling page of my website and/or visit my Psychology Today profile to see my specialties and expertise.
Q: In terms of paying my counseling co-pay/fee, can I Venmo or Zelle?
A: While I am not set up for Venmo or Zelle, I accept HSA, FSA, and most major credit cards. You enter – one time only – your preferred card information into your secure client portal. Since payment is due at the time of service, the session fee will be charged to the card you store in the client portal following each session.
Concerned about storing your card information in the client portal? I’m happy to explain further. Please message me with the details! I’ll promptly get back to you.
Q: Can I meet with you in-person for our sessions?
A: The primary reason I provide counseling via telehealth is for ease, accessibility and efficiency for those I work with. It affords greater consistency with sessions (less rescheduling/canceling), ability to meet more frequently to co-create the care plan, and efficiency prior to and throughout the counseling experience, resulting in a shortened length of treatment.
Curious to learn more about the telehealth experience with me? Prefer in-person sessions? Let’s Connect – Choose a time to meet via Google Meet or phone.
Q: Do you offer counseling for children, families and couples?
A: While parenting is often a topic of our sessions, I only provide individual sessions for men and women, generally ~25 to 65 years old.
Visit my Psychology Today profile to see my specialties and expertise.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: I am “in-network” with most major health insurance plans.
For the most current listing of insurances I accept, please see my Psychology Today profile or reach out to me with specific questions or concerns.
I also honor Out-of-Network insurance benefits, for those wishing to pay upfront (out-of-pocket) and submit for reimbursement directly through their insurance provider.
For you to utilize your out-of-network insurance benefit (please check with your insurance company to see if out-of-network benefits apply to your plan), I provide you with a “Superbill” after each session, which you submit to your insurance provider, from whom you will directly receive any reimbursement.
Q: I’m concerned about my privacy. Do you record our sessions or use AI note takers/storage for my record?
A: I appreciate and honor the importance of trust as an essential element for healing and growth. I, too, am highly conscientious about privacy protection. With high regard for confidentiality, no, I do not record sessions, nor use AI in any way.
I’m happy to talk more with you. Please message me or give me a call at 716.539.0498. I’ll promptly get back to you.
Q: In terms of paying my counseling co-pay/fee, can I Venmo or Zelle?
A: While I am not set up for Venmo or Zelle, I accept HSA, FSA, and most major credit cards. You enter – one time only – your preferred card information into your secure client portal. Since payment is due at the time of service, the session fee will be charged to the card you store in the client portal following each session.
Concerned about storing your card information in the client portal? I’m happy to explain further. Please message me! I’ll promptly get back to you.
EXPOSED
Q: How can I learn more about EXPOSED, next session dates, the process and design, pricing, payment methods, etc?
A: Thank you for your interest! Several ways! Email Dionne and me at leadershipexposed@gmail.com, call 716-539-0498, or BOOK A FREE CONSULT.
You can also subscribe to receive my emails for VIP access to all blogs, events announcements and other offers. You can also follow me on FB, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Q: As I consider EXPOSED, I’d like to learn more about Dionne, Meichle, and EXPOSED, and perhaps ask some questions to decide if it feels like a good fit for me.
A: Absolutely! We agree that in order for every participant to benefit from the investment, they need to feel comfortable. We always meet with people virtually prior to anyone joining EXPOSED. We’re happy to meet anyone at any point of interest to answer questions, get to know each other, and provide more information about EXPOSED. Simply email Dionne and me at leadershipexposed@gmail.com or call 716-539-0498. We’d love to talk with you via a video meeting!
To get to know us, be sure to subscribe to the EXPOSED podcast on YouTube, view our websites: dionnekress.com/about/ and meichlelatham.com/about/.
You can also subscribe to receive my emails for VIP access to all blogs, events announcements and other offers. You can also follow me on FB, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Community Engagement
Q: Where can I read your blogs?
Q: A friend of mine said what a great experience they had a recent meet up event that you organized. How can I find out about the next one?
Q: I’ve heard you on another podcast and would love to have you as a guest on my podcast. How do I schedule a time to talk more about it with you?
A: Thank you so much for considering me! I love to gift my time, experience, and expertise to the podcast community. I look forward to meeting you and hearing more! Let’s meet soon via phone video – Book a free consult for a time that works well for you!
You can also email me at meichle@meichlelatham.com – Please include a brief description of what you’re envisioning, as well as what information (profile summary, contact info., headshot, etc.) you’ll need me to provide.
I look forward to it!
Q: Where can I listen for you on podcasts?
A: Podcast episodes are typically shared on traditional podcast platforms- Spotify, Apple Podcast, Spreaker, YouTube, etc.
I strive to keep up-to-date with posting related podcast episodes at Podcasts as they are released.
With the unique spelling of my name (Thanks, Mom and Dad), you can generally search a podcast platform with my name and find the episode rather easily.