What is coaching and why is it right for me?

What are the similarities & differences between coaching & other health or helping professions?

Physicians perform medical procedures, prescribe medications, diagnose medical conditions, interpret blood work, and sometimes recommend dietary and lifestyle changes. Coaches can help patients adopt and stick to these lifestyle changes once they leave their doctor’s office, filling an important gap in the healthcare industry.

Nutritionists have extensive nutrition training and help with complex nutritional needs, deficiencies, and can prescribe diets and supplements aimed at specific health conditions or based on blood work tests. While nutritionists have an expert focus on food intake and the assimilation of nutrients, coaches often focus on habit change and sustainability across all facets of health, including lifestyle.  Nutritionists and coaches often collaborate - nutritionists providing knowledge and recommendations, and coaches creating supportive environments to encourage follow through on those recommendations and also incorporating goals from other life arenas.

Social work is a helping profession focused on connecting people with basic needs, furthering social justice and social change, and caring for and empowering individuals, families, and communities through struggles and towards thriving.  Social workers are trained in the classroom and via hands-on field experience in mental health, behavior and development, history of social policy, community development and advocacy, administration, and often specialize in specific tracks related to one of these topics.

A Master Social Worker is someone with a Master of Social Work degree. You may see individuals with this degree with an MSW after their names.  Social Workers who are licensed use the credentials LMSW.  You may see social workers in a variety of roles, including mental health (therapists), case managers, coaches, working in hospitals or schools, or doing outreach, community organizing, or non-profit management.  Social workers who are therapists may have titles such as LCSW or LCSW-R.  These are the special clinical credentials that allow them to diagnose, provide therapy, and bill insurance if applicable.

Therapists are specifically trained professionals that may come from several different professions, including social work, licensed mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or psychology.  Therapists, also sometimes referred to as psychotherapists or counselors, generally diagnose and provide treatment for mental health concerns.  Individuals in need of working through past traumas or through the challenges of a mental health diagnosis may be best served by seeking therapy.  

While each their own unique service, there can be overlap between therapists and coaches, as the general mission is similar: to help individuals work through obstacles, accomplish goals, and live the lives they desire.  Individuals may also find it beneficial to work with a therapist and a coach at the same time, or follow up their successful completion of therapy with coaching for the future.

Why choose coaching?

Each of the professions discussed above provide unique and valuable services that can be utilized individually or collaboratively.  If many of the above mentioned elements of coaching resonate with you, reach out to a coach to learn more. In your work with a qualified and trusted coach, you have the opportunity to experience support and empathy, enhanced self-esteem and confidence, less stress, and better alignment between your everyday actions and the life you desire. Starting coaching should feel hopeful and empowering.

How can I find a coach?

You may find coaches in a number of different places.  For coaches who are also social workers or psychologists, try Psychology Today.  There are also a number of online directories and social media platforms where you can find coaches. Locally, you can also search bulletin boards at fitness centers, coffee shops, or other community health related locations.  If you prefer to meet in person, you’ll want to focus your search on location, but if you prefer to receive services by phone or video, you may find coaches that can practice state, country, or even world-wide.

Who will be the best fit for me?

It’s wise to look for a coach that specializes in some of the areas that you are seeking help with.  You may also read through social media descriptions, professional profiles, and websites.  Read any information they’ve posted that gives you a feel for their style and approach.

If having a coach with training and experience is important to you, you may also look for a coach who is certified, especially through a program that has been accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  Additional, related education or training is also a plus because it lets you know the coach has further background and skills to enhance their practice.

You may not know ahead of time if coaching will be a good fit for you, but if you follow these suggestions and your own intuition, I’d bet on it being a worthwhile endeavor!