If you’re going through a life transition and considering reaching out for professional help, life coaching can be a rewarding option. However, be mindful of the differences between coaching and psychological therapy. A coach must navigate these responsibly. Coaching is NOT a replacement for OR psychological treatment. Here are some key similarities, yet important distinctions:
- Coaching can be therapeutic and healing, but it is not psychological treatment.
- Coaching uses positive psychology; it also takes elements from psychology, such as behaviorism.
- Coaching focuses on the present and moving forward and does not, unlike psychology, dwell in the past.
- Coaching can look at patterns. Although the goal is not to analyze these, but rather, to acknowledge them and shift toward changing them.
- Coaching can help people stay accountable by setting SMART goals and moving into action.
- Coaching helps people change perspective and therefore shift their behavior.
- Coaching does help people to look at their self-limiting beliefs and how to move past these.
- In coaching, much can be achieved over a shorter number of sessions.
- Coaching focuses on topics rather than issues.
- Coaching is based on a model that recognizes the following: people act in their own self-interest and people want to have choices.
- Coaching is for people who are well and balanced–it is not intended for individuals with deep-seated unresolved psychological issues, which can, in fact, impede progress in coaching.
- Coaching can help you to bridge to psychological therapy.
Life transitions, including career/job, relationships, and generally addressing what’s next, are all coachable. The willingness to change, to try something new and different, while exiting your comfort zone, can help you to get started in coaching. Why not give coaching a try? For more information about getting started or for your complimentary discovery call, contact me today: 514-996-2414!