Coaching vs. therapy: A physician coach and psychiatrist explains
Kudos to our PCI Grad Dr. Wendy Cohen, whose article about “Coaching vs. therapy: A physician coach and psychiatrist explains,” was published on Kevinmd.com
To understand coaching and therapy, it is helpful to think of the overall focus of each modality.
Here is what Dr. Cohen had to say about therapy and coaching:
Therapy and coaching do have some similarities; both involve deep, empathic listening with the goal of self-exploration. Both involve talking as a way of connecting, gathering information, and problem-solving as a team. Both involve a focus on the future and success. Both may be sought out by people looking to address challenges.However, therapy is for mental healt h conditions, and coaching is for personal and professional growth. Coaching should not be used as an entree to therapy and should not be started until someone is in stable health. Therapy and coaching are separate interventions for separate challenges.
Most coaching sessions are structured or semi-structured meetings in which the coach partners with their client to identify a topic of concern and outcome goals. Clients are encouraged to conceptualize the change they want and the steps needed to make those changes. The meeting may be 30 to 45 minutes or longer in some cases. Client topics can range from personal growth — “How do I better manage my time?” “How do I create more balance in my life?” — to professional skills: “How do I more effectively communicate with my team?” “How do I work to resolve conflict in my department?” Some people enter coaching to explore a transition like moving into a leadership role, changing organizations, or planning for retirement. Coaching allows clients to create the time and space to explore areas for growth and opportunity with support from their coach. It provides a way to help you move forward with intention in your life and career.
Read the full article on Kevinmd.