We obsess over labels when all we really need is presence.
My truth: coaching is not a doing thing.
It’s a being thing.
It’s me with you.
I am being me, and I help you be more of you.
The other day someone asked me about the difference between coaching and therapy.
I get that question a lot.
Here is my answer. Note that the dictionary, Google or your favourite AI may disagree.
None.
I am a registered cognitive behavioural therapist.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the foundation I use every day in my practice.
I call it coaching because I chose not to work with clinical populations.
Instead, I returned to my tribe: ambitious professionals working (then) in offices.
I had seen their suffering for more than 20 years and I hoped I might be of service.
I observed that people associate coaching with workplace challenges.
To signal relevance, I called myself an executive coach.
I have used other labels, such as Career Accelerator.
Right now, it’s ‘Strategic Communication Coach’ and ‘Productive Influence Catalyst’.
Labels are like garments: they signal. Helpful marketing I hope.
When a client exhibits signs of mental ill health – beyond workplace-related stress – I am competent. Because of the choice I made, I refer clients with clinical symptoms to colleagues.
A few clients asked for therapy: I called it life coaching.
Under the label ‘The Authentic Life Journey’, I work with people who want to quit their jobs and find a truer path. Strangely perhaps, I still don’t have a label for myself for that one 🤔
Lots of labels. One practitioner.
CBT as the bedrock.
Additional training to complement.
Life experiences to share.
If you’re unhappy with your work or personal life, find someone to support you.
Don’t get stuck in semantics: find the person who will see you and be with you🙏
PS: this post is dedicated to D.
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📧 alexandra@coachingforinspiration.com
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