What's the difference between counseling and coaching?

Mental health counseling and coaching aim to help individuals improve their lives but differ in focus and approach. Counseling addresses mental health issues, emotional challenges, and psychological disorders. It’s rooted in evidence-based therapy, often exploring past experiences to help with healing and long-term mental well-being. Counselors are licensed professionals with advanced degrees and clinical training, operating under strict regulations and confidentiality laws.

Conversely, coaching is action-oriented and focuses on personal development and achieving specific goals, like improving performance or navigating life transitions. Coaches typically work with mentally healthy individuals and help them create strategies for the future. Unlike counseling, coaching isn’t regulated, and while many coaches pursue certifications, formal qualifications aren’t required.

If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, counseling is the right choice. If you’re seeking guidance and accountability to achieve goals, coaching may be better. 

What's the advantage of hiring a coach who is also a trained counselor? 

A coach who is also trained as a counselor offers several advantages, as they bring a unique blend of skills and expertise. Their counseling background means they have a deep understanding of human behavior, emotional dynamics, and mental health, which allows them to recognize and address underlying challenges that may hinder progress. This insight can help clients navigate emotional roadblocks and build a stronger foundation for achieving their goals.

Additionally, their counseling training equips them with advanced communication and active listening skills, creating a supportive and empathetic coaching relationship. They can balance a future-focused, goal-oriented approach with the ability to explore and resolve deeper patterns if necessary, offering a more holistic perspective. For clients on the borderline between needing coaching and therapeutic support, a coach with counseling training is uniquely positioned to tailor their approach, ensuring a safe and practical experience.

What's the advantage of hiring a counselor or coach with theological training?

Hiring a counselor or coach with theological training can provide a unique advantage for individuals who value integrating their faith or spiritual beliefs into their personal growth or healing journey. This combination allows the professional to address psychological or practical issues and the spiritual dimensions of a client's life, offering a more holistic approach.

For those seeking guidance aligned with their faith, a counselor or coach with theological training can incorporate spiritual principles, values, or practices that resonate with the client’s beliefs. This can create a more profound sense of connection and trust, as the professional understands and respects the role of faith in the client’s decisions, struggles, and goals. They can also provide insight into spiritual questions, moral dilemmas, or challenges related to religious identity, all while supporting mental health or personal development.

This integration is especially valuable for individuals who want to align their personal growth or emotional well-being with their faith, ensuring that their spiritual and practical needs are harmonized.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, working with a professional is entirely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” 

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my approach to your specific needs.

I want to get the most out of the experience. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.