When your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic. When your refrigerator is on the fritz, you call the appliance repair person. When your cough persists, you call the doctor. But, what happens when your mental health is off or you feel stuck? Oftentimes, it is brushed off. At best, we hope that things will just get better. At worst, we ignore a real problem that could lead to bigger issues, both mental and physical.
“There is still a stigma about needing any kind of mental health support, but it’s actually quite the opposite,” says Deborah Richmond, advanced practice registered nurse with Bridgehaven Mental Health Services. “Seeking help is perceived as showing signs of weakness or there is a fear of loss of independence, but that sort of belief works against a person. If they don’t get the support they need, it will ultimately cause them to be less able to care for themselves. Asking for help, and getting it, actually supports independence.”
There are several ways to get support. Whether you choose counseling or coaching, you are taking positive steps toward maintaining your overall health and independence.
Therapy and coaching: What’s the difference?
Therapy is conducted by a certified therapist who is specially trained and licensed to provide counseling. Therapy provides support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges. Therapy comes in many different forms. One may resonate more with you.
- Art Therapy: a trained therapist works with you to tackle mental health challenges through art and creative expression. This form of therapy allows for expression of feeling and thoughts through art, and it can be especially helpful for those who have a hard time expressing feelings or have limited speech due to a health condition.
- Music Therapy: uses the power of music to achieve therapeutic goals. You may play various instruments, discuss song lyrics, or listen to music during a session. Patients do not need to have any musical experience or training to participate in music therapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): a form of talk therapy. Patients work with the therapist to identify negative or inappropriate thoughts that may hinder one’s ability to respond effectively to a situation.
Counseling can occur one-on-one or in a group setting. Group counseling offers the added benefit of social connection, which is critical as we age. “Just the opportunity to be with other people that have shared a similar experience, to feel like you are heard, is so valuable,” Deborah says.
Coaching differs from therapy in several ways. “Typically, therapy or counseling has to do with past things that have happened in someone’s life, things that really need some deep work. Coaching really focuses more on now and the future,” says Elaine Friedrich, clarity coach and founder of School of Intentional Living. “The focus is on looking at personal and professional growth and achieving goals. In coaching, you are looking in the windshield, not the rearview mirror.” Coaching is more loosely regulated and does not require licensure. As a result, coaching is typically not covered by insurance or eligible for HSA reimbursement.
Coaching is ideal if you feel stuck. You partner with a coach to determine an action plan to move your life in the direction you want to go. “The coach works to pull it out of you,” Elaine says. “They utilize tools to pull out what’s already inside of you to help you to see the future, to see those goals.”
Coaches typically work in a niche area such as life coaching, grief and loss, aging, or health, but the approach for each is similar. Coaches guide you, but you do the work. You can expect a lot of questions and prompts to reflect on your experiences. “Having a coach helps you to stop and reflect on all kinds of things — your past, your present, your future — so that you can develop a game plan, instead of life just happening to you,” Elaine says.
Finding your fit
Do research before choosing a provider. Researching online is an easy way to learn about the focus and process used by providers. “Take the time upfront to look and select someone who will meet your needs,” Deborah advises.
Most providers offer an intake or exploratory call prior to working with them. “It helps you to know a little bit about the coach, and for them to know about you, and if it’s a good fit or not,” Elaine says. Ask questions about time commitment, pricing, and the provider’s approach to working with clients.
Feeling nervous about connecting with someone? “It is normal to have anxiety about connecting with a therapist,” Deborah says. “Give yourself credit for taking that step.” Initial discomfort will soon be outweighed by the benefit of addressing your needs. “If you do nothing, then you are going to stay stuck,” Elaine says.
By Tami Pyles
P.S. You may also be interested in Goal Making: Imagine Your Ideal Life
Leave a Reply