Coaching – An Alternative to Therapy or Counseling
Coaching focuses on “what happens now?” Therapy focuses on “why did it happen?”
Coaching changes problems into goals. It looks to the future. The past is acknowledged
only when needed! Most importantly, Coaches DO NOT treat clinical disorders or make
medical diagnoses.
Coaching is well-suited to goal-oriented people who prefer a direct approach to personal development and taking responsibility for their actions and results. Coaches work with “highly-functioning” people. Such people are assumed to be healthy, willing, and fully capable of achieving their goals. Clients simply need guidance.
Clients who do NOT perceive themselves in need of therapy may be more inclined to
see a Coach, preferring a coaching model to a therapy model. (See Below for Chart)
As an Emotional Independence Coach, I work closely with you to create an action
plan for achieving the quality of life you most desire. Since quality of life is directly proportional to the quality of our relationships, these intimate relationships will be a major focus of our work. I will stay with you throughout the process to guide you, create practical plans, break down what holds you back, and motivate you to move forward. Coaching works because you are held accountable for your actions. In coaching, you will not analyze the past, but looks toward the future to figure out what to do next.
With an Emotional Independence Coach, you will:
- Develop a practical, step-by-step action plan
- Focus on future goals, not past issues
- Explore what holds you back
- Celebrate results!
COACHING vs. THERAPY
| Assumes the client is highly-functional | Assumes the client needs healing |
| Roots in personal development venues | Roots in medicine, psychiatry |
| Works to motivate people to a higher level of functioning | Works with people to achieve self- understanding and emotional healing |
| Focuses on actions and the future; goal-oriented | Focuses on feelings and past events, past-oriented |
| Focuses on solving problems | Explores the root of problems |
| Works with the conscious mind | Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness |
| Works for solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills, and implement effective choices | Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns |