When you reach out to me if you are interested in coaching, we'll first set up a discovery call. This isn't just a formality—it's a crucial step. We spend 30 minutes together to see if there’s chemistry, dig into why you're seeking a coach, and whether you will allow yourself to trust me and the process.
Recently, during one of these calls, it became clear that the individual needed something different from what I could offer—they needed a therapist. While I incorporate elements of psychological safety in my coaching to ensure you feel seen, known, heard, and accepted, the fundamental difference between a business coach and a therapist is significant.
The Role of a Therapist:
What they are: Therapists are healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. They might employ various therapies—from behavioral techniques to medication.
What they are not: Therapists are not entrepreneurs. They won't unpack why your business isn't growing; their focus is squarely on you as an individual, not your business. They won’t teach you how to have crucial conversations or how to establish psychological safety, and ironically, a good portion of practicing therapists have never been in therapy or utilized a coach.
The Role of a Business Coach:
What I am: As a business coach, I'm more than just a consultant; I'm a guide through the complex entrepreneurship journey. I help you clarify your vision, set strategic, actionable goals, and align these with your personal values and objectives. I challenge you, hold you accountable, and push you to exceed your perceived limits in supportive and transformative ways. My goal is to help you excel in your role and ensure your business prospers under your leadership and aligns with your life-by-design goals. Then, I will hold you accountable by pointing out when your behaviors are out of alignment with your goals.
What I am not: A business coach is not a therapist. I do not dispense mental health advice. I do not "arm chair quarterback" my opinions of mental health issues. Instead, I teach you different communication techniques for your internal dialogue and your interaction with other people.
I've had clients who benefit from having both a therapist and a business coach. They manage their mental health with a therapist, who helps them understand their behaviors and provides tools to adapt. As a coach, I help translate these new behaviors into leadership strengths that supercharge your business growth and help you align that growth with the inevitable roadblocks that get in the way of your life-by-design goals.
Running a business can be a lonely journey, dominated by the "itty-bitty-shitty-committee" in our heads. You don't have to do it alone. Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or a combination of both, the key is having a trusted advisor to help navigate the challenges.
Here's to making sure you're supported on all fronts.
