Should You Get Therapy or Life Coaching?

Life coaching is viewed by some as an alternative to therapy. Actually, coaching was one of many cognitive behavior therapy methods I learned to practice in graduate school. Thirty years into my career as a psychotherapist, I coach clients toward achieving their goals when they’re likely to benefit from this approach. Certainly, neither coaching as a separate practice nor psychotherapy has a monopoly on traits such as wisdom, intuition, kindness, or empathy. Practitioners in both disciplines may be good listeners, supportive, and encourage clients to set goals. So how do you decide whom to trust for help with relationships, addictions, work situations, parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, or other personal challenges? Former life coach client Jesse Harless, who is now a life coach himself, describes his experience receiving coaching: “I felt like I had some control over my life for the first time. What I realized in working with a life coach over the past few years, is that we have a tremendous amount of untapped potential. It’s just waiting to be brought out of us. He cites these benefits of life coaching: You get to choose what to work on. You gain “immediate” clarity on your actions and goals. You connect with someone who cares about your well-being, hopes, and dreams to whom you’re accountable about what matters most. You gain greater self-awareness. I would have missed the opportunity to overcome one of my biggest fears and live out my life’s purpose...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Psychology Psychotherapy Self-Help Treatment Source Type: blogs