The coaching profession is evolving, and we are continually developing increasing awareness of the distinctions and similarities between therapy and coaching. Therapists are learning that they have many transferable skills and appropriate preparation that serve them well as they transition from helping professionals to life coaches. However, the two relationships are also distinct in key ways, and some of the foundational assumptions that professionals have made as therapists are not appropriate in the life-coaching relationship. It is your obligation as a professional wanting to be a great life coach to recognize and modify or eliminate the assumptions and practices that may stand in the way of success for your coaching clients.
In summary, it is critical that therapists who transition to life coaching understand the distinctions between the two professions. It is equally important for people enrolled in coach-specific training to learn about these distinctions so they can stay in the coach role and not delve into therapy territory. Your previous training and experiences will dictate the extent to which you’ll need to alter your professional mindset in order to acquire the coaching perspective.
Patrick Williams, EdD, MCC, is Chief Energizing Officer of the Institute for Life Coach Training.
A more substantial version of this article (with additional charts and tables) is available to be downloaded below as part of a compilation of Patrick Williams essays written for choice: the magazine of professional coaching. The editors of choice have graciously given permission for the Library of Professional Coaching to publish these essays.
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