|
For Counselors Who Are Thinking about
Adding Coaching to Your Services Looking for ways to increase income, release limitations of geography, and work with healthier clients? Unsure if coaching is “legitimate,” allowed, Common Myths About Coaching Therapists and potential clients alike may have some misconceptions about what coaching is, what it does, how it works, and who can or should be a coach. Here are some of the myths I’ve heard from my counselor colleagues who aren’t aware of the similarities and differences between psychotherapy and life coaching. Myth: coaching is unregulated & dangerous While it is true — at the moment — that coaching is not yet regulated by state or federal governments, that day is fast approaching. As in any emerging profession, although many coaches have specific, certified training as coaches or previous academic training in another of the helping arts, it is possible for totally untrained individuals to set up shop and call themselves a coach. Certified coaches and professional associations of coaching are as concerned about this as most therapists are. Two professional coaching organizations exist that are akin to the American Counseling Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers, both of which have been actively credentialling coaches and requiring adherence to details ethical standards for a number of years. Similar to the APA, the ICF accredits coaching schools to ensure that training programs follow a well defined curriculum. See: International Coach Federation International Association of Coaching Myth: coaching isn’t covered by malpractice insurance Some professional liability insurers that cover counselors will also cover you if you do coaching. And a number of carriers will independently cover life coaches. A quick Google search will provide several carriers to choose from. Myth: coaching is just cheerleading The practice of coaching does give enthusiastic support to clients’ attempts to make significant change in their lives. But coaching also holds clients’ accountable for following through on their commitments week to week to a much greater degree than most counseling expectations do. Coaching isn’t for everyone, and should never be used as a substitute for therapy. Appropriate coaching clients are not psycho-emotionally vulnerable and are already empowered to make good decisions, assertively choose or decline options presented, and think critically about what is in their best interest. There is much less risk of harm to coaching clients than there is to counseling clients because of the stability and resilience of the appropriate client. In no way does coaching attempt to heal old wounds from childhood, correct psychopathology, or analyze the clients’ psycho-dynamic drives and complexes. Rather than telling clients what to do, life coaching asks more questions than it provides answers. Coaching helps clients explore their values and priorities, dream bigger dreams, achieve more success, and learn to rely on their own inner wisdom. While some counselors may also help clients in this manner, we should agree that this kind of personal development is not treatment of mental illness per se, “lite” or otherwise. Cautions about Coaching if You’re a Counselor Without elaborating here on everything you should think through or check out in making your determination whether to add coaching to your range of services, there are a few cautions that bear mentioning. If you are a psychologist in Ohio…. If you are a therapist in CO, MN, FL, WA, or CA…. You could need a separate business license to practice coaching If you sell digital products via the internet…. For Coaches & NDs Who Want Case Consultation Feeling nervous with a difficult client? Want CYA back-up, No matter whether you are a coach, counselor or ND, there are times when we all run up against situations with clients that we just weren’t prepared for, and aren’t sure how to handle. This is true when you are new in practice and still under supervision, and when you’ve got years of experience behind you. Unfortunately, while counselors might have practice supervisors for years after graduation, coaches usually don’t. And NDs off on your own may not have supervisors or colleagues with skill in psychopathology diagnosis or deep background in psychotherapy. For example, would you know what you might be dealing with and what to do if your client continually reports…. ~ chronic insomnia+low self esteem+hopelessness These are just a few of the possibilities that initially healthy and motivated clients can demonstrate as your coaching or healing relationship with them unfolds. It’s good to know who to call on for a little help, perspective, confirmation or dis-confirmation of what you think you might be dealing with. Special Peer Consultation Email DrDeah@Deahcurry.net for a consult appointment ~ > for Counselors, Coaches & NDs What Happens in a If you’re a counselor thinking about coaching I can help you: 1. decide whether coaching will be the additional 2. explore how you’ll want to separate or 3. determine how to position your coaching identity so as not to conflict with your established branding as a counselor 4. sketch out an initial marketing action plan If you’re a coach or ND feeling uncertain 1. help you evaluate what you are seeing that’s making you nervous or stuck in your approach with that client 2. assist you in deciding the best course of action to take next 3. provide you with crucial questions to ask, and steps to take depending on the responses the client gives 4. recommend qualified counselors in your area to |
