Is ‘Coaching’ a Shortcut to Mental Health Care? Not So Fast – Here Are the Key Differences

Life coach, wellness coach, business coach, weight loss coach, breakup coach, the list goes on. They are all different titles for similar jobs, with the same limitation: anyone can claim to be an expert.

Health coaching alone is a $7.6 billion market in the United States, linked to well-being and lifestyle medicine industriesas well as the culture of social media influencers. With persistent shortages of doctors And mental health workersMany Americans see coaches as a more personalized alternative to traditional physical and mental health care.

However, the profession is is poorly regulatedwho can make it a utopia for scammers; untrained people who give advice about health, psychology and nutrition; and in some cases, cult-like behaviorsuch as a coach who encourages clients to cut ties with family and friends.

And now that AI health coaching the chat has arrived, these problems are likely to grow.

If a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in mental health and public health, I have observed the growing popularity of coaching and how patient interest stems from a lack of affordable and accessible mental health care.

Coaches have the potential fill a hole and work with therapists to help clients. Many people seek coaching to help them make a big decision or to hold them accountable for making progress toward a certain goal — from starting a business to sticking to their wellness routines. However, because the industry is unregulated, it’s important for people to understand its boundaries before using a coach’s services.

Why is coaching so popular?

In a broad sense, coaches help someone create a plan to achieve specific goals, such as making a change in their career, diet, or relationships. It can be effective in helping people cope with chronic conditions, such as diabetesbetween doctor visits and to follow their treatment plan.

Amid COVID-19, physical and mental health care became more difficult to accesswhich may have contributed to popularity of coachingPeople who were already skeptical about the health care system are turning to coaches in hopes of one-on-one, specialized treatment.

Another contributing factor may be the rise of the gig economywith coaching that appeals to people want to become self-employed. Social media and the Internet has also fueled the popularity of coaching by making it easier to research and receive health advice, regardless of whether that advice is correct.

Is coaching therapy?

The simple answer is no. While looks like therapyCoaching does not require a license, qualification or formal training. Practicing therapists, on the other hand, must be in good standing with the law, have years of training, are regulated Through governing bodies and professional associations, and adhere to guidelines from licensing authorities to ensure customer safety.

There is a common stereotype that coaching is for ‘high functioning’ people and that it focused on the futurewhile therapy focuses on the past and finding problems with people. As a licensed, practicing therapist, I believe this could not be further from the truth. Therapists focus on helping a person process their past, focus on the present, and work toward goals for the future.

In my experience I find that these untruths are the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent people from get appropriate help.

According to an academic study, 25% to 50% of people who hire a life coach have mental health conditions that require a higher level of support. And while many coaches Although they are skilled in ‘therapy talk’, they often miss the training to recognize when the client’s needs go beyond what he should provide.

Risks and regulations

One of the biggest concerns about coaching is that it lacks a central governing body to regulate and monitor members. The industry has a number of steps have been taken towards better supervisionand there is one established, accrediting body: the International Coaching Federation.

However, it is not a requirement that people who identify as coaches join this organization. Certifications can be provided by anyone or any program, but the training is not standardized.

This lack of regulation means that anyone can provide coaching, including therapists who lost their licenses due to unethical behaviorIt has also led to the proliferation of social media coaches and influencers misinformation and confusion about mental health issues. This is concerning because unlicensed providers, including coaches, not legally allowed to diagnose mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, or offer them treatment.

Another concern is the vulnerability of coaching clients to financially scammedabused or dangerous advice givensuch as suggestions for child rearing abuse. Coaching clients do not have the same legal rights as therapy clients, such as patient confidentiality.

Finally, life coaching trusts heavily on positive psychology, which focuses on personal strengths and positive traits for happiness – in short, to look at the positive side and not focus on the negatives. Since its inception, positive psychology has been among research into debunked scientific claims of the success of the therapy. And while this approach works for some, others think that it is too individualistic and does not give enough weight how external issues such as systemic racism can play a role in mental health.

What should you pay attention to?

Ultimately, each person’s needs are individual, and a life coach can be helpful. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind during an initial consultation:

• What is the coach’s education? What is their background? I recommend looking at their education and licenses, and any titles or certifications that seem unfamiliar to you.
• Does someone tell you that they can cure you or that they have a product that can solve your problem – a meal plan, diet, coaching course, etc.?
• Do they have research and evidence, not just anecdotes, to back up the claims they make? If something is touted as “tested” or “proven,” make sure you ask for the data.
• Is the person promoting their service as the “only” way to get better? Do they make unrealistic claims, such as that they can cure someone of their trauma symptoms in a month? A credible life coach does not promise to completely change your life or cure you.
• Is there a formal contract with the services provided clearly outlined? Does this contract discuss the limitations of the services provided? Is there clarity on fees and charges?
• Is the coach willing to be flexible in their approach? Do they become defensive when you ask questions?

Life coaching has the potential to an evidence-based, short-term practicebut potential customers should carefully consider whether it is right for them.

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