It is important to understand that coaching and therapy, while similar in some ways, are different modalities. Coaching, unlike therapy, is not about diagnosing or treating mental illness.
Coaching provides a safe space where there is a great deal of validation and encouragement, even celebration. The coaching process is all about building awareness about oneself and one’s life. A client sets goals and creates action steps to take between sessions to accomplish those goals, with the coach as an accountability partner and cheerleader. Coaching is present-day and future focused. It is designed to be non-directive, meaning that the client sets the meeting agenda and the coach is trained to listen deeply and ask powerful questions that evoke new awareness for the client. The coach is not offering advice or personal opinions. Sometimes the coach can share knowledge, but this is done on a limited basis and only with the client’s permission. The client is viewed as creative, resourceful, whole, and the expert on their own life. The coach listens, reflects, and asks open-ended questions to hold up a mirror to the client and to their unique values, strengths, interests, and patterns. The client uses this new information to accomplish goals.
- The patient is struggling with dysfunction related to psychological issues, concerns, or symptoms that interfere with daily tasks.
- The patient needs help coping, alleviating pain, or distress related to trauma, disorders, or illness.
- The patient wants to work through the problems and get back to normalcy
- The patient is looking for a mental health professional to help them overcome and live well again.
- The client is functional and does fine with daily tasks.
- The client is considered psychologically normal and copes well enough.
- The client wants to be better, grow, or set and achieve higher goals.
- The client wants to improve performance, relationships, or life satisfaction.
- The client is looking for a success partner to help facilitate the next level of growth, advancement, or change.
Therapists often refer clients to coaches as a next level of support. Therapists help clients get back to normalcy and begin moving into thriving. Coaches can then support clients as they continue to build skills and set and achieve meaningful goals.