This blog is for clients, therapists, coaches and anyone else wondering why all the varying titles.
A while back, my friend mentioned her switch from therapist to coach, prompting me to consider coaching as well. Initially, I had reservations about the title "coach" due to the minimal qualifications required. It surprised me that anyone could adopt the title without formal training! Reflecting on this, I questioned if I could comfortably assume the role. What I discovered is that I personally would only feel comfortable being a coach because of my extensive experience as a therapist, somatic specialist, yoga therapist, and other guiding roles. Without that background, this would all feel rather inauthentic to me. Despite this, I still feel a twinge of discomfort whenever I refer to myself as a coach, which of course I realize indicates areas for personal growth. Now, let's move on to the processing of this transition.
What are the advantages of transitioning to or adding coach to my titles?
Diagnosing is a drawback: Personally, I never loved diagnosing my clients. It didn’t align with my approach. Sure at times it can be helpful, and some clients request a diagnosis. However, the primary purpose is often done for insurance reasons. I don’t think anybody enjoys assigning labels that could impact their clients long-term. By transitioning to coaching, I could shed the need for diagnostic labels, allowing for a more fluid and individualized approach to helping clients.
Flexibility to work across boundaries: Being a therapist limits one to providing online counseling solely based within a therapist's state. As a coach, I can offer my services to anyone worldwide. This global reach is beneficial beyond belief!
The DSM: As a coach, I could disregard the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM has a problematic history of pathologizing human behaviors that should never have been classified as mental illnesses. The inclusion of homosexuality as a mental disorder is a prime example. I’ll leave it at that.
Freedom from institutional requirements: Although I find comfort and security in adhering to a set of rules to a degree, deep down I knew how much more authentic I would feel when I broke free from them. Working under someone else’s beliefs and programming never feels great. Plus as a coach, I would have more flexibility in choosing professional training opportunities and CEU’s.
Taking Control of Earnings: In therapy, insurance companies have the final say in determining rates, which can be extremely limiting for both therapists and clients. As a coach, I could set my own rates, offering greater financial autonomy and the opportunity to explore different pricing models, such as bundled sessions and packages according to each client's differing needs.
Showing up in my truest form: As a therapist there are always limitations and rules that govern how I can show up and what I can discuss, particularly in a group setting. However, as a women's guide and coach, the possibilities are endless. Whether it's through private sessions, recovery circles, women's gatherings, retreats, or my blog, I feel a newfound freedom in expressing my authentic self. Seeing I believe authenticity is a crucial piece of healing, naturally this matters to me. Of course holding a safe, inclusive space and maintaining client confidentiality remains top priority, it's more about no longer feeling the need to filter.
Viewing clients as whole individuals: Personally, I feel uneasy when clients become overly dependent on their therapists. I address this issue with my clients when it arises. I’d much rather operate from an approach that empowers clients, acknowledging their capabilities and inner resources from the start. Knowing every person who shows up in my space arrives carrying their own unique world within them, it’s a honor being able to treat these beautiful humans as the individuals they are.
Giving advice and taking action: Interestingly, I have a wealth of valuable advice that I rarely share with my clients as a therapist! There’s a lot of listening in therapy, as so many people truly just need a safe place to release. As a coach, I feel more inclined to provide support that is action-oriented and focused on making positive changes. There's a beginning and an end to it.
And then we have the big hell yesssss! I can finally be my true woo woo witchy self.
Embracing spirituality and metaphysical knowledge: There are definitely restrictions in exploring spiritual or metaphysical aspects as a therapist. There’s the push to be analytical and clinical. Years ago I was already witnessing the clients which I guided with “woo woo” (ie: breathwork, sound healing, chakra alignment, yoga, acupressure and more) making greater strides in their healing journey than those in a clinical environment. Unleashing this side of myself has been beyond beneficial to my clients and for this I am ever grateful!
So what does all this mean?
Simply put, I hold a lot of titles. But the truth is, the majority of my teachings and guidance comes from life experience. No piece of paper was going to make me fully qualified, neither was being a survivor of various traumas or having devoted much of my life to the exploration of the mind, body and spirit. It was going to take decades of lessons, piled on top of previous experiences, along with continual education, curiosity, and expansion to bring me to this point.
Now that I’m here, I couldn’t be more pleased and liberated with my freedom to share with others!