Therapist or Coach?
What’s the difference?
Which one is right is for me?
More than once, I’ve been asked…Are you a therapist or are you a coach?
My answer is—both! I offer psychotherapy and transformational coaching.
You might be wondering, what is the difference? And how do I know which is right for me?
As defined in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, July, 2013, psychotherapy treats diagnosable mental health conditions - anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and more. Its scope encompasses affect and belief systems that go wider and deeper than is appropriate for coaching. Therapists treat trauma, support healing of past wounding, and help clients process emotions to discover why we feel the way we do.
As a young adult, I sought the guidance of a therapist, because I knew that my level of anxiety disrupted my overall daily function. I was diagnosed with and treated for panic disorder and agoraphobia. And that was the start of my path to far greater peace of mind!
Though coaching is often seen as goal-oriented, transformational coaching focuses on providing support, guidance, and accountability for clients ready to grow toward the best version of themselves. Beyond talk and incremental measures, its coaching methods and energy flow practices help shift mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors regarding lifestyle, career, and relationships.
Where do therapy and transformational coaching overlap in positive outcomes for clients?
Inclusion of evidence-based and alternative techniques
Recognition of belief systems
Behavioral change
Reduction in mental stress leading to physical symptoms
Increases in self-esteem
Evolution of thought patterns
Improvement of relationships
An ethical coach or therapist would let you know after an initial consultation (which should always be free and without obligation) which type of practitioner might be best for you. A consultation may simply be a conversation or may include an intake questionnaire to determine the level and depth of your presenting condition.
Have you ever consulted a therapist or coach and created positive outcomes for yourself? If so, I’d greatly appreciate hearing how life has improved for you.
What topics you would want covered if you were part of a community like my Anxiety Avenger™ Alliance? Your input will go to creating a space for you - we focus on dental anxiety and other topics of stress and anxiety management. What do YOU need more of?
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