Is Coaching
Really Just Therapy? |
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As a coach and psychotherapist practicing in |
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Coaching began in the corporate sector back in the 70’s and 80’s when it became clear that executives and corporate leaders could benefit from consultants helping them refine their “people” skills. And then life coaching took off in the 90’s as elements of executive coaching were adapted to working one-on-one with individuals wanting to move forward with life goals. Today coaching has an international presence as it shows up in the corporate world as well as countless other settings. |
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When a client first contacts me, I ask them specific questions to ensure they’re finding the right kind of support. For instance, if a client seeks coaching but instead focuses exclusively on a recent crisis or emotional pain, they’re probably more appropriate for therapy. On the other hand, a coaching client needs to be able to identify specific goals and to be able to collaborate with a coach. |
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Due to legal and ethical boundaries, I never work with
a client as both a coach and psychotherapist--I wear only one hat per
client. For example, if I’m working with a coaching client and I discover
they would benefit from therapy, we discuss psychotherapy referrals. And
the same applies if I’m working with a psychotherapy client who may
benefit from coaching. In |
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Coaches
focus primarily on leveraging one’s strengths. So the attention is given
to one’s resourcefulness and resiliency. These qualities may also be
processed in psychotherapy, but this is a primary emphasis for coaches.
The coach also helps the clients identify values, passions and priorities and holds these intentions for
the client. So the focus of coaching begins with the vision and then holds
the client accountable toward their vision. |
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In
conclusion, coaching and psychotherapy both serve a distinct and vital
purpose as they complement the work with our clients.
As one of the most
diverse communities in the world, |
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Andrew Susskind, MSW, ACC (September 2006). |