What is the difference between a therapist and life coach?
There are many different definitions and varying schools of thought on the difference between a therapist and life coach. Having received training and worked with clients in both areas, below is my own personal definition on the differences:
Psychotherapy: Good counselling / psychotherapy is person centred. The counsellor holds space, and facilitates the client to move into their own understanding of their issue or difficulty so that healing can take place. Coaching: The client is already at the point of being ready to internalise an issue or difficulty, and embrace change in their life. They are keen to move from A to B, but may have some obstacles and/or limiting beliefs that prevent them from doing so. A life coach will support, motivate and guide the client to understand various points of tensions so that they can self-direct towards their new goal(s) and aspirations.
What makes you different from other life coaches?
My tools of trade are quite different from traditional NLP methods used within coaching. My training and expertise is transpersonal, or in other words, exploring states or areas of consciousness beyond the limits of the personal psyche. Some of the methods I use are induction and state change, deep meditative journey work, narrative therapies, mindfulness, journaling, and working with metaphor, symbols and archetypes.
Where did you train, and is the training that you have done recognised by International Coaching & Professional Associations?
Unfortunately life coaching is currently an unregulated industry and anyone can call themselves a life coach. My training was with the Inspired Spirit Coaching Academy (ISCA). The ISCA is recognised as an Approved Coach Training Provider as well as a Continuing Coach Education Provider. They are aligned with a number of leading International Coaching and Professional Associations, such as the IAC, the IICT and the ICF.
How long a commitment will I need to make, and will you match that? How much contact will we have in a week/month/year?
It depends on the issue that needs to be addressed. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to coaching. Generally, coaching packages are structured into fortnightly sessions over a period of three to six months depending on need. You will also receive email support regarding any questions you may have, goal setting commitments you have allocated for yourself, and most importantly to celebrate success!
How do I know if life coaching is right for me and will help me achieve my goals?
Clients interested in entering into a coaching agreement with me are sent a short one page questionnaire to identify if they are 'ready, willing and able' to be coached. Depending on a client’s answers to this, adjustments may need to be made before coaching can be effective.
Is there any specific area as a life coach that you work within?
I am an Inspired Spirit Life Coach. I assist clients who feel lost or stuck in a rut in terms of their career, to step over the abyss and free fall with confidence into a life of passion and purpose. This includes coaching around mindset, confidence, and breaking through any fears that keep someone trapped in their own limiting beliefs.
My clients are generally those people who are looking at a career transition, or to start a new business as a sole trader. I hold a Certificate IV in New Small Business, and have been in business since 2010. I have experienced the ups and downs of being in business for myself, and know and understand the associated fears that can come with that.
Clients who work with me will set goals, and then take the necessary step with my support to achieve those goals within specified timeframes. If I am not living in Adelaide, or can’t make sessions face to face, can I still book coaching sessions with you? Yes, I offer sessions to clients via Zoom