Life Coaching...

I believe everyone could benefit from life coaching. In short, coaching takes you from where you are to where you want to be. It was named after the stage coaches of long ago, that transported people from where they were to where they wanted to be. Airplanes are also known as "coaches," transporting people to their desired destination. As a coach, I don't set the agenda. I don't direct my clients or give them advice. I listen to the direction they want to go, and then help them strategize ways to get there.

Many people wonder, "what is the difference between counseling and coaching?" As a therapist, I find my background to be very valuable in the coaching sessions. However, coaching is not counseling. Here are some similarities and differences between counseling and coaching.

Coaching and Counseling are similar in that both the coach and counselor establish a contract with the client to provide services. Sessions are scheduled on a consistent and regular basis. Clients may discuss personal issues with the coach. Confidentiality is maintained by the coach. Sessions can occur one-on-one, in a group, or in a family setting.

There are differences as well. Although counseling is sometimes provided online, usually it occurs face-to-face (L. West does not provide online counseling). Coaching, however, can occur from anywhere at anytime. Coaching sessions can take place over the telephone, through the internet, or face-to-face.

-10    -9    -8    -7     -6     -5     -4     -3     -2     -1   0   1     2     3     4      5      6      7      8      9      10

     Counseling (past)                                          Stability                             Coaching (future)

On a continuum, one might find counseling and coaching as illustrated above. Counseling focuses on the past, overcoming and healing hurts, and moving a client to a point of stability in life. Counseling brings a family, marriage, or individual from an unhealthy situation toward a positive state of mental health. On the other hand, coaching focuses on the future, as indicated by the right of the continuum. Individuals who have reached stablility in life, consider themselves mentally healthy, and want to move forward to obtain certain goals and objectives would benefit from coaching. Coaching helps clients focus on results, to achieve their God-given potential in life.

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