Therapy and mental health coaching are more accessible than ever for those who could benefit from them. Seeing a therapist may seem like a good idea if you’re constantly experiencing negative emotions like tension, anxiety, and a lack of motivation. Meanwhile, you may discover that mental health coaching is the optimal solution after giving it some thought.
People frequently seek out life coaches when they should have seen a therapist for emotional or psychological issues, and vice versa. If you’re having trouble deciding between two careers, this article will explain the main distinctions between a well-being coach and a therapist.
Mental Health Coaching vs. Therapy
Counseling is a healing method for mental illness and emotional distress. Depending on the patient and the underlying medical problem, therapists may recommend one of several different therapeutic approaches. For therapies to gain widespread acceptance in the field of psychotherapy, they must first be scientifically validated as effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and other mental health condition symptoms.
Stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, but with the aid of a mental health coach, you can learn to manage it and even enjoy it. As a result, individuals may feel less anxious, have a more upbeat outlook, and be able to get their bearings when they feel lost.
Here are some of the main differences between mental health coaching and therapy:
Licensing
A licensed mental health counselor or therapist is someone who has met the requirements set forth by their state to practice psychotherapy with clients. These professionals are trained to recognize the symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions and devise effective treatment plans for patients suffering from conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Coaches in this field of mental health are not therapists and cannot provide a medical diagnosis.
Scope
A mental health coach is someone who works with clients to help them improve their mental health. In order to deal with stress, they may recommend deep breathing exercises or relaxation methods. They do not provide medicine or psychotherapeutic guidance for mental health issues.
Credentials
Certifications in mental health coaching are helpful, although neither a license nor a degree in psychology is mandated by law. Therapists receive two degrees — an undergraduate and a master’s degree in psychology — and they are thoroughly trained to work with clients who have a wide range of psychological requirements.
Goals
When anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms have persisted for some time, people typically seek professional help through psychotherapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity of these symptoms so that patients can get back to leading normal, healthy lives. When it comes to helping people improve their mental health, therapy, and life coaching can sometimes overlap because they both emphasize the importance of altering one’s behavior for the better. The primary distinction is that therapy is typically more short-term and goal-oriented while coaching for mental health issues can be more broad in scope.
How Can a Well-Being Coach Help?
Anxiety is a real problem that millions of individuals face every year of their lives. Something you have had for a long time or a sensation that only seems to surface in certain situations. Alternatively, you may have noticed that your anxiety has increased in severity or is preventing you from pursuing your goals.
Improve your ability to cope with anxiety with the support of a mental health coach. As a result of working with a coach, you might learn to better manage your anxiety and stress by implementing their personalized recommendations.
Talking to a licensed therapist in your area is recommended when anxiety symptoms are severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed and treated with their help, thanks to their access to the latest scientific knowledge and proven methods.
Here are a few examples:
- Therapy based on the principles of cognitive behaviorism
- Therapies based on acceptance and commitment
- Application of Positive Psychology
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD through gradual exposure to feared stimuli.
A mental health coach, on the other hand, does not engage in therapeutic relationships with clients. Some of their methods may be influenced by these approaches, but they are not equipped to use them for the purpose of treating anxiety.
Instead, they will direct you toward activities that will help you better control your anxiety, which include:
- Finding what sets you off
- Reducing stress by learning to relax
- Breathing techniques
- Relaxation of increasingly deep muscles
- Journaling
- The treatment of stress
- Acts of self-care
- Motives for considering a coach for your mental health
Do you feel stressed for most of the day? Do you struggle to feel motivated? Do you get frustrated that your loved ones seem to be moving on in life while you seem to be standing still? Having a mental health coach is helpful.
With the help of Wellavi, everyone has the chance to blossom into their greatest selves. Wellavi coaches use the TrueSelf method to assist their clients in becoming more self-aware, developing a strong sense of personal agency, and taking bold action toward achieving their goals.
There is hope for you if you’ve been struggling with low self-esteem. Our mental health counselors are pros at easing the burden of daily living by refocusing attention on positive aspects of one’s self. Coaching for mental health consists of both group sessions and individual work that together provide a solid groundwork for success.
Recuperate Emotional Health
In the aftermath of a breakup, whether it was sudden or the result of a conscious decision, it can be difficult to go forward with your life. Working with a coach can help you move past the loss of the relationship and apply the lessons you’ve learned in constructive ways moving forward.
Reducing Work-Related Stress
Career decision-making is fraught with uncertainty. You could be thinking about quitting your work but are unsure about what to do next. One of our coaches can assist you if you feel stuck because of the prospect of making a crucial adjustment. You’ll gain an understanding of how to plan for the long haul and accomplish modest objectives. With the help of a Wellavi coach, you may discover what truly motivates you and go after it with all your might, even if you have no idea what your dream is just yet.
Are You Prepared for a New Beginning?
If you think mental health coaching could help you, don’t hesitate to contact Wellavi. Get back to being super cool once more. Click here for more information.
