Purpose of Life Coaching
The purpose of life coaching is to work with a professional that uses their knowledge and experience to empower clients to seek fulfillment by planning, developing, and executing goals that will not only bring about change, but success. People hire coaches because they realize the need of an outside neutral party to gain a new perspective, provide new concepts and motivation to help them accomplish their goals. On occasion a potential client is just looking for validation for themselves and their ideas. A life coach can help clients realize negative patterns that could be standing in the way of their own success.
What is coaching and what is it not?
Life coaching is a balance between how a coach can inspire a client and how a client uses the tools and challenges provided to better their situation. Coaches do not spoon feed advice or give therapy. Coaches light the spark in their clients. It is up to the client to nurture the spark into an ablaze.
According to Scott, (2014) “The core of the coaching profession is grounded in sound academic and scholarly theories that preceded coaching, and it will be strengthened by the validation of theories and evidence-based research as the profession moves forward.” (p. 10).
There are a multitude of resources that have developed out of the psychology of yesteryears and today that assist life coaches in supporting clients to generate positive change. Life coaching works on the premise of believing in thinking your way into better behaviors and gaining a greater resilience to overcome strife (Scott, 2014). In the field of psychology, the premise is more believing in behaving your way into a different state of mind (Scott, 2014).
Difference Between a Life Coach and a Therapist
As you can see from the following Venn diagram there is some overlap between therapists and coaches. Each professional has distinct roles and serves unique purposes.
Unlike life coaches, therapists and other mental health professionals focus on healing, treating mental health conditions, and helping people work through trauma and other issues from their past. While working with a life coach may help you to deal with certain unresolved issues, life coaches cannot treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, or any other mental health condition.
Therapists have a degree and are licensed mental health professionals. They must follow an ethical code and adhere to regulations regarding confidentiality and ongoing education.
Life coaches could potentially have a degree; however, they are not governed by a board and are not regulated to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), beyond personal standards set forth by the life coach.
It is my personal responsibility to advise clients that are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues (such as feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, and mood), to consult a mental health professional as soon as possible.
References
Scott, F. (2018, August 11). The Vital Differences Between Positive Psychology and Positive Thinking. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/positive-psychology-vs-thinking-3144626
