It used to be that when you had a problem with your mental health in the past your only choices were to go to a counselor, a therapist, or a psychiatrist.
However now with the acceptance of other forms of treatment there are many other choices.
One of the more common and accepted choices in today's culture is to hire a Life Coach to help deal with one's problems and stressors.
Life Coaching has become more prevalent and well known in today's culture, helped in part by exposure by television in such shows as Dr.
Phil, Starting Over, and Scott Baio 45 and Single.
These shows vary in their representation of Life Coaching and what occurs within sessions with a Life Coach.
When I meet people who want to know about Life Coaching, the most common question I get is, "what is the difference between Life Coaching and therapy?"This is a very good question and the easiest answer is that while both Life Coaching and therapy help the client identify problem areas of their lives and learn how to alter their behavior and make positive changes, therapy also treats mental illness while Life Coaching does not.
Inevitably the next question that I hear is "what can Life Coaching do for me?"I am not a believer in a "hard sell" so I typically tell people who are inquiring about what I do that Life Coaching will: 1.
Identify your goals.
2.
Help you determine what is standing in your way.
3.
Help you learn the skills you need to overcome your barriers and succeed! I also think it is important that people who are considering Life Coaching to be aware that Life Coaching is not a simple snap of the fingers and a change occurs!Like any process where change is involved the client has to be dedicated to working towards making the change.
The role of the Life Coach in the process is to act as a support system, provide guidance, and help the client reflect on their behaviors and thoughts.