Do you suffer from stress, worry, or feeling down? If so, you’re in good company.
Since the pandemic hit, it has felt like we are all suffering more than ever before. We’re suffering from new things in very specific ways: the long-term effects of feeling lonely and isolated, feeling that our children have missed too much instruction which has put them behind, uncertainty about our individual and collective economic futures, the absurdity of some industries suffering or needing to shut down and others are still booming. It’s confusing. Not to mention, rampant and disconcerting political division… which, regardless of your opinion, can feel quite sad.
Many of us likely feel like we could use a therapist. The truth is, you probably could. But it may be helpful to know HOW a therapist can help. What is in a therapist’s “wheelhouse” so to speak? Sure, therapists can help with stress, but they are trained to help with so much more! Therapists are highly educated professionals who can diagnose and treat an array of mental health disorders.
Therapists have graduate degrees (some are even doctors) and underwent rigorous training to learn how to handle most anything in the world of mental health. Therapists are licensed professionals who are required to meet high ethical standards and must operate within their scope of practice (and within the constraints of the field). Examples of concerns that may be better suited to a therapist include, but aren’t limited to: PTSD, anxiety, depression, trouble adjusting to major stress (such as grief or trauma), bipolar disorder, suicidality, etc.
Coaches, however, are not able to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Sessions with a Coach are often “lighter,” time-limited, and goal-driven towards specific outcomes. Coaches want to help you level-up your life and be successful. Coaches also do not need to operate within the constraints of the mental health field. Depending on your perspective, coaching may also feel less stigmatizing. Even sports teams have coaches. A coach may help with increasing your success in business, personal life, or even parenting.
In summary, if you have been diagnosed with or think you qualify for a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, therapy is the better route for you. If you don’t think that’s you, coaching is likely a better fit. There are also some specially trained professionals who can provide both services at once. If you’re unsure, reach out and ask. Whatever route you take, just know that getting support and guidance from a trained professional can reduce the intensity and duration of many of life’s difficulties while increasing life satisfaction.
Are you curious about coaching? I am both a coach AND a therapist. In fact, I am a certified Clini-Coach®. As a coach, I help parents raise fantastic children without yelling or power struggles. If you want to learn more about my coaching business, visit: my website. I’d be happy to chat more with you about this in a FREE consultation.
