Meet Rachelle Ventura
Performance Psychology Coach, Professional Musician, Teacher,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I have always had a particular interest in performance anxiety. Having decades of experience as a professional musician, I am well-acquainted with the stress of performing under pressure and how performance anxiety can get in the way of performing to what we are capable of.
After becoming licensed and practicing as a mental health therapist, I went abroad to do advanced studies in the psychology of performance enhancement.
Although what I am offering through coaching is not therapy, my knowledge of psychology and counseling brings a depth of understanding and expertise that will enrich your experience of coaching.
Experience
As a pianist and keyboardist, I have played in orchestras, Best of Broadway touring shows, and operas. I have decades of experience as a soloist, chamber musician, collaborative artist, church musician, music director, and choir director.
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I have over 30 years of teaching experience, having taught piano in universities and in my private studio. I know through my own experience, and that of my students and colleagues, the challenges that competitions, auditions, and concert performances bring.
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In my years as a therapist, I have worked with a wide variety of client issues, especially anxiety, depression, and trauma. Profile on Psychology Today.
Credentials
Education
Master of Music with majors in Piano Performance and
Musicology
Master of Science in Counselor Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Performance Psychology
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Licenses & Accreditations
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington.
National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) with NMTA (National Music Teachers Association)
Piano Adjudicator for the Washington Music Teachers Association (WMTNA)
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) advanced training certificates
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) - certified through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy training certificate
Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Certificate in Motivational Interviewing
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What do I need for online sessions?All you need is a device with a microphone, such as a computer, tablet or mobile phone and Wifi connection (a bandwidth speed above 15-20 Mbps is recommended). You may also wish to use headphones. And it is important to have a quiet, private space.
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Do I need to download anything before we start?No. I use Doxy.me which does not require any downloads, including apps. You can use Chrome, Firefox or Safari 11+ as your web browsers. iOS users will need to use Safari 11+ exclusively.
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How do I get started?Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to determine whether this is the right next step for you.
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How do online sessions work?It's simple. I send you an email link. You click on this and then enter your name to check into the virtual waiting room. Once I let admit you, we are ready to go.
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Is my session confidential?Yes! I use a video platform that has end-to-end encryption and is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring anything that passes between us is secure, private and confidential.
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How much time do I have to invest outside of the session?There will be simple, brief exercises you will be asked to complete weekly. There will also be things you will be asked to try out in your daily practice which will not require extra time outside rehearsal.
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Can I use insurance?Yes! If you decide to do counseling, I accept insurance through Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Premera, Optum, Oscar Health, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Meritain. Insurance billing is handled through Alma (Aetna, Optum, Oscar, Cigna, UH, Meritain) or Headway (BCBS and Premera). Please see my profile at https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/rachelle-ventura/ and https://headway.co/providers/rachelle-ventura to easily sign up and use your insurance.
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How do I make payments?Payments are made through a secure online portal which will be sent to you.
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How much does a coaching session cost?Sessions are $160/hour.
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How do we meet?Meeting online is always an option. We can also meet in person if I am in your vicinity.
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Is online coaching effective?Coaching effectiveness has little to do with whether it is online or in person - it's your motivation and investment that matters as well as the expertise of the coach. It is also important that there is a good match between you and your coach.
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How long should I do coaching for?Though it is up to you how many sessions you decide to do, most clients find they get the most benefit from a minimum of 4-6 sessions. Doing sessions weekly is the most effective and keeps the momentum going. It may also be beneficial to space out sessions as you build skills over time. And of course, it may be helpful to check in occasionally after the initial sessions are completed for continued support.