Can A Therapist Be A Life Coach
Can a Therapist Be a Life Coach? Five Key Considerations for Therapists Exploring Life Coaching
Hi there! I’m Dr. Paul Jenkins, a professional psychologist and life coach. If you’re a therapist pondering whether you can transition into life coaching, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore five important considerations that could guide you on this path.
1. Understanding the Roles and Purposes
First and foremost, it's essential to grasp the distinct roles and objectives of both life coaching and therapy. Therapy, broadly speaking, addresses mental health, relationships, and psychological functioning. It often deals with diagnosis, pathology, and treatment – the 'sick' end of the spectrum.
On the other hand, life coaching operates at a different point on this spectrum. While therapy focuses on healing and recovery, coaching is more about growth and thriving. Think of health as the midpoint – not sick but not necessarily thriving. Coaching aims to help individuals progress from simply not being ill to genuinely flourishing.
For the first 15 years of my career as a psychologist, I worked primarily in the therapeutic realm, dealing with diagnoses and treatment plans. The shift to coaching allowed me to help clients move beyond just being ‘not sick’ to actually thriving, something often beyond the scope of traditional therapy.
2. Leveraging Your Qualifications
As a therapist, you’ve undergone extensive education and training – essentially, you’ve been through the '21st grade,' as I jokingly put it. This background equips you with valuable skills in human behavior, decision-making, and relationships. These skills are not only applicable in therapy but can be incredibly beneficial in coaching as well.
Your qualifications could make you more adept at life coaching than some of your peers who might have less formal training. This rich background can give you an edge in understanding and guiding clients toward their goals.
3. The Benefits of Therapeutic Training
Your therapeutic expertise is a significant asset in coaching. While many coaches lack the depth of experience in understanding human behavior, you bring a nuanced perspective that can enhance your coaching effectiveness. Many clients seek coaching because they don’t want or need a diagnosis – they simply want guidance and support.
In my experience, clients often appreciate the non-stigmatizing, growth-focused approach of coaching compared to the more clinical nature of therapy. Your therapeutic background enriches your ability to offer valuable insights without the need for a formal diagnosis.
4. Certification Pathways
When considering a transition into coaching, certification can play a crucial role. Early in my career, I specialized in child custody evaluations, which required specific training and expertise. Similarly, if you're interested in positive psychology coaching, obtaining a relevant credential can set you apart.
The coaching industry does not always mandate formal credentials, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. While it’s accessible, the lack of standardization means it's harder to differentiate yourself. Obtaining a certification can help establish your credibility and distinguish you from others in the field.
5. Finding Your Fit
Ultimately, the success of your transition into coaching will depend on how well your approach aligns with your clients' needs. If you resonate with the principles of life coaching and feel that your therapeutic background can complement this new role, you might be an excellent candidate for certification in positive psychology or similar areas.
If this idea excites you, I’d love to explore it further with you. Schedule a call with me at DrPaulJenkins.com/LetsMeet. This conversation will help us determine whether life coaching could be a fulfilling next step for you.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration. I look forward to potentially working with you and helping you navigate this exciting transition!
Feel free to share this article with colleagues who might benefit from this insight. Let’s help more therapists explore the possibilities of life coaching together!
