What is Coaching and Therapy?
To support your search in identifying the help you need, I describe below my view of the functions of coaching and therapy in facilitating change. (For other people's definitions see links at bottom of page)
Coaching is predominantly a future focused approach. It aims to help you clarify your goal(s), to outline strategies for achieving them and to address preventative blocks along the way. Counselling and psychotherapy can also be used in a similar future focused manner. These trainings enable me to work with blockages that stop you moving forward at deeper level than might be achieved from coaching only. Some people find it really helpful to understand how their past has influenced their current way of being in order to change unhelpful habits. Additionally, coaches are generally not trained to work with more complex issues such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety etc. which often block us from moving forward in life. Some clients prefer to work predominantly in a present future focused way. My range of training enables me to be flexible to your learning style and collaborate to create a learning pace that works for you.
Additionally, counselling and psychotherapy are often referred to as the "talking cure". This is because people find that talking to someone, who is objective and skilled in therapeutic techniques, can help them to feel better and find solutions to difficult problems.
There are many different types of psychotherapy and coaching. I believe one of the most important steps in choosing a therapist or coach, is not just finding someone who uses an approach that matches your learning style but even more imporantly finding someone you can relate to. All therapists have their own view of what therapy is and their own particular way of practicing. You can check out the, Testimonials, Therapies I Offer and
How I Work sections
of this website, to find out more about how I work .
To get another perspective on therapy and coaching you can check out the following links:
Wikipedia's entry on psychotherapyWikipedia's entry on Coaching
I also recommend you check the websites of other therapists to see who appeals to you most.