Coaching or Therapy? Both, Please.
It feels like a personal birthday gift that my therapist is back in action!
A health setback had temporarily halted our sessions, but now that she's back in action, I'm thrilled to 1) see her in good health again, and 2) resume exploring my summer whirlwind with her guidance.
So, if you've ever wondered about therapy or felt a twinge of curiosity about it, you're in for a treat. Consider this your VIP pass as I dive deeper into the subject than ever before.
Who’s ready?
How do coaching and therapy differ? And why do they work together so well?
Coaching and therapy can sometimes seem like that pair of identical twins at a party — you know they're different, but you're not sure how?
So, let's break it down.
I like to think of a coach as your gym buddy who motivates you to squeeze out that one extra rep, or the friend who inspires you to finally start that novel you've been talking about for ages. They’ll wipe your tears if necessary, but they’re more about pushing you to your potential.
On the other hand, a therapist is more like that wise, old relative who helps you unpack your past and understand why you may have phobias of spiders, or why you always fall for people who can't remember your birthday. Kleenex is optional, but somehow there’s never enough?
While coaches are future-focused and action-oriented, therapists typically delve into your past to help heal emotional wounds. Both are great companions on the journey of life, but they use different maps.
Here’s something I found online that illustrates the differences pretty well:
However, remember that each individual is unique and has their own distinctive approach. Just as Elvis and The Beatles are both rock and roll, yet so different, each professional you work with will have their unique approach and style.
Sharing my journey: therapy and coaching
I’ve been in therapy (on and off) since I experienced post-weaning depression in 2018.
The insights I gained about myself were quick and truly revelatory, leading me to modify certain behaviors and improve my relationships, including the one with myself.
Now, therapy is as routine as brushing my teeth: an essential part of my well-being. If I take care of my physical health, why wouldn’t I look after my mental and emotional wellbeing?
Therapy has significantly influenced various aspects of my life, including:
Parenting my three kiddos
Marriage and being a great partner
Spiritual growth
My first encounter with a coach was last year when I sought guidance for my professional growth and managing an especially challenging work relationship. His support was instrumental in helping me navigate through the situation scar-free (though it was a close one!)
Currently, I'm working with another coach to build the professional and creative life I envision. Her support is invaluable in identifying my blind spots and bolstering my confidence. Knowing she believes in me is surprisingly helpful?
Coaching has profoundly impacted the following areas of my life (thus far):
Work relationships
Career / business growth
Keeping up motivation levels
As I journey forward, I can't envision not having a therapist and a coach by my side. They each play a crucial, ongoing role in my life.
If I want to be truly great — the best, even? — I know I’ll need constant tweaking, analyzing, and improvement. Having a team by my side, I know I’ll be a better mom, partner, coach, marketer, leader, etc.
ALL THE THINGS, folks.
The Synergy Between Therapy and Coaching
As a coach myself, I've noticed that my most engaged clients often have experience in therapy. Their insight into their own personal development and self-awareness is a valuable asset. They understand their patterns, strengths, and areas to improve, which aids us in shaping their future.
I actually heard once from one of the most famous / successful coaches in the world that he only works with clients who are ALSO in therapy.
Makes total sense. 🤔
Think of it this way:
Imagine you have a fabulous sports car, sleek, swift, and ready to hit the road. Your coach acts as your sophisticated GPS, guiding you towards your destination, suggesting the fastest routes, even highlighting interesting spots along the way. But what if something's holding your car back, like a flat tire or engine trouble from an old incident? That's where therapy comes in. Therapy delves under the hood of your life, identifying and resolving past issues that have been slowing you down.
With therapy addressing past roadblocks and coaching fueling your future journey, they work together like a pit crew, ensuring you reach your personal finish line efficiently. Buckle up, because with these two in your corner, it's going to be quite the ride!
While therapy and coaching serve different purposes, they can harmoniously complement each other, creating a synergistic duo that makes growth in all aspects of your life inevitable.
Not to mention, both fields often rely on overlapping techniques like cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and stress management strategies.
They are NOT the same, and yet they play off each other incredibly well.
(Of course, the decision to pursue therapy, coaching, or both should be based on one's unique needs and circumstances. Everyone's self-work journey is distinct, and what works for one may not work for another. First and foremost, I respect and honor each person’s chosen path toward self-improvement.)
Embracing the Journey of Self-Work
The path of self-work is a noble endeavor, marked by bravery, resilience, and commitment. Whether one opts for therapy, coaching, or (ideally?) a blend of both, each step taken speaks volumes about their dedication to personal growth and well-being.
This journey can be demanding, as it often involves confronting unpleasant realities and making substantial changes. But the rewards — heightened self-awareness, improved mental health, enhanced personal and professional growth, and overall life satisfaction — make it all worthwhile.
Difficult but worth it.
For those on this path, remember that every effort counts, no matter how minuscule it seems.
Remember:
Therapy and coaching are tools — you have to choose them, to pick them up, to use them. Only then does the real transformation happen within you.
You are the architect of your change, the driver of your evolution.
So, to wrap things up…
Therapy and coaching might be two different things, but trust me, they can work together like a good PB&J, creating a killer combo that supercharges your personal growth. Each brings its own special sauce to the table and can hone and amplify the best parts of what makes you, well, you.
Here's to honoring your courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
You got this. ✌️
All the best vibes ✨
