Counseling vs Coaching
As a parent, sometimes it’s tough to know what level of support is best for your child.
The most basic answer is to always follow your gut. If something feels off to you, listen to that feeling. Many parents wait until their teen is in a crisis before seeking help. Perhaps that’s because it’s difficult to determine what level of struggling is simply “normal” for teenagers. My best advice is that if you are worried about your teen and the worry persists for more than a week or two, it’s time to find extra support.
Coaching is less intimidating.
Teens are often resistant to counseling and the idea of seeing a coach feels less intimidating.
Coaching can prevent your child from needing counseling in the future.
Hiring a coach for your child today is a preventative measure to counseling in the future.
Counseling is best for teens who are in a crisis.
If your child is engaging in self harm or having suicidal thoughts, counseling is the right choice. After working with a counselor, then consider coaching to help your child gain confidence and move forward.
Here is a handy chart that describes the differences between counseling and coaching, my clients find it helpful!
The Differences Between Counseling & Coaching
| Counseling | Coaching | |
|---|---|---|
| Counsellor is in charge. The “mental health professional” diagnoses and sets the agenda | Power | The client is in charge. Coach works for the client and client determines the agenda |
| “Fix what’s broken” | Function | Develops Strengths |
| Heal dysfunction and pathology. Improve the “Being”. | Purpose | To help client move forward |
| Core Beliefs | Depth of Work | Behaviours and Skills |
| Explores the root of problems | Process | Focuses on solving problems |
| The client needs healing | Assumption | The client is whole |
| Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness | Path to Success | Works with the conscious mind |
| Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns | Method | Works for external solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement them |
| Therapists deal primarily with answering the question “Why do I….?” | Questions | A coach asks the questions “Who are you? Where do you want to go? and What do you want your future to look like? |