Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The Difference Between Life Transitions Coaching And Counseling

By Sarah Wallace


Counseling often involves a minister, priest or professional psychologist who works with clients to assist in overcoming a number of issues related to mental health or spiritual concerns. Whereas, Life Transitions Coaching can refer to assistance in many different areas of daily life. As such, coaches working in this area are much different than counselors in that these individuals often work to help people meet a specific goal or goals.

Coaching can refer to a relationship between two or more individuals in which one has more expertise than others. Whether that be in relation to on the job training, sports, workshops related to various aspects of a lifestyle or education, there are many areas in which coaches can provide assistance. In addition, while counseling tends to be an ongoing life long process, coaching often only takes place until a goal is reached or problems are resolved.

While to some, life coaching may appear to be a new career choice, different styles of coaching have actually been in existence since the 1830s at Oxford University and when it comes to sports, even longer. The earliest use of the word coach was originally used as slang for tutor, an individual whom coached students through the exam process. Since that time, the word has become associated with helping individuals achieve success in a number of different activities.

Coaches have been part of different meanings throughout history. Whether related to on the job training, tutoring, the Human Potential Movement, est, adult education or positive thinking, all of these and other programs require coaches. In the process, coaches teach individuals different communication methods, how to compromise, complete projects and achieve success in different areas of life.

In one sense, life coaches have a meta-profession which extends to assisting clients in spiritual direction, political affiliations, family, social scenes and networking, careers and professions, personal issues and health concerns. While there may be some overlap of different client needs, ethnicity, culture and history can also effect the style and type of coaching which may be needed at any given time.

When it comes to marriage and relationships, coaches can often be beneficial in assuring the individuals have considered a number of factors before tying the knot. For example, questions regarding retirement, children and career can often be overlooked in the throws of a new and exciting relationship. Whereas, coaches can also assist in determining the type, and locating different types of housing and other needs.

Other issues which can often require coaching include separation due to job or career, military spouses, divorce, especially those in which children or property are involved and personal items. In all cases, coaches need to work with clients to determine the best path forward which is beneficial to all parties. In the case of divorce, it is also important that the couple play an active role in making these decisions be there a coach involved or otherwise.

Ultimately transition coaching in this area includes all areas such as business, career, family, marriage, relationship and spiritual matters. While this is the case, individuals most often focus on one specific area when it comes to coaching while counseling is generally inclusive of problems in all areas. In either case, when an individual needs assistance during a major transition, or just to have an ear to listen during difficult times, a coach can often provide a great deal of insight, information and support.




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