There are instances when coaching may not be appropriate, or when it becomes clear that a client needs other support and help alongside the coaching. Coaching is definitely not:
- Therapy or counselling
- A way of someone else solving the client's problems for them
Coaching is very much based on the present and future, whereas therapy or counselling often involves an exploration of the past and primarily emotional healing. Coaching is generally shorter in duration than therapy and requires the client’s ongoing and daily commitment and engagement in working on developmental objectives. Therapy will often focus on increasing the client’s awareness and on providing relief from discomfort or distress. Coaching empowers and enables clients by developing specific competencies.
There may be instances when a coach would refer a client to a specialist therapist for help.
Coaching is based on the principle that the past does not dictate the future, but there may be clients who need further help to come to terms with past events. Coaching is also based on the principle that you are ultimately responsible for your own life.
I can encourage, empower, support and challenge, as it is not the role of the coach to instruct and advice. To do so would undermine the control and power a client has over their own life.