Coaching can be distinguished from psychotherapy in several ways. To understand them, it’s important to start with definitions of each…

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines psychotherapy as “the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable.”

When comparing the outcomes achieved through coaching and psychotherapy, we find core differences in four key factors: focus, purpose, population, and who is leading the change.

The Therapist

A therapist primarily addresses clinically diagnosable problems associated with mental health and trauma for individuals dealing with some form of dysfunction or disorder. They work with their patients to identify challenges through a diagnostic structure, typically based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

By focusing on psychopathology, emotions, and the past, a therapist attempts to alleviate symptoms through counseling and, at times, prescription medications. The desired outcome is a shift in behavior or result – as defined by the therapist – frequently addressing physical or emotional pain, dysfunction, and conflict within the individual or a relationship they hold. To achieve this goal, the therapist focuses on past issues to improve their client’s capacity in the present.

The Coach

A coach – and specifically a Whole Person Coach – does not rely on a pre-defined definition of normalcy. As the client, you inform the process and lead the way holistically. The coach uses powerful questioning to help you recognize and leverage your strengths and resources then self-create your desired outcomes. Client-stated goals often address aspects of personal or professional development and improvement.

Unlike the therapist, upon whom patients often remain dependent for extended periods of time, a coach builds your capacity to be your own changemaker – exponentially, in every aspect of your life.

A coach focuses on visioning and success in the present to move you into the future.

Coaching relationships are shown to produce desired outcomes among well-functioning clients and do not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Nor is coaching a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment.

So… Coaching or psychotherapy: which is right for me?

You may benefit from the support of a professionally-certified coach if…

• You feel lost or confused about your purpose or next steps in life.
• You are afraid to try something new (even though it’s something you’re genuinely interested in).
• You feel constant stress, self-doubt and succumb to the “you shoulds” imposed by family and friends.
• Your happiness and forward momentum are constantly derailed by limiting beliefs, old patterns, and self-sabotage.
• You have a goal or vision but lack the focus, organization, and clarity necessary to form an action plan.
• You want to make changes to your personal or professional life such as improvements to health and wellness, personal relationships, spirituality, career, time management, or work/life balance.
• You procrastinate or have difficulty completing tasks from start to finish.
• You are facing or currently going through a major life transition.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), you may want to consider speaking with a licensed therapist or counselor if…

• You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness.
• Your problems fail to resolve or improve despite your efforts and help from family and friends.
• You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or conduct everyday activities.
• You worry excessively, expect the worst, or remain constantly on edge.
• Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or being aggressive, harm yourself or others.

Whole Person Coaching is a holistic coaching method based on the premise that when you come to know, embrace and express all aspects of your whole self, you are positioned to thrive in any aspect of life. You become rich in resources, grounded in your being, and at peace within.

Whole Person Coaching® is a thought-provoking process coupled with experience-oriented, transformative learning designed to help you to gain access to the depth and breadth of who you are at the core: mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.

From this embodied understanding of your whole self, you can easily and effectively draw upon your deepest wisdom to overcome any stopping blocks and achieve what matters most to you.

From our work together, you will emerge fully self-innovative and well equipped to be highly effective in any aspect of your life, for the rest of your life.

Whole Person Coaching® Philosophy

The Whole Person Coaching methodology is firmly rooted in four distinct yet interrelated fundamental principles. Each principle offers guidance related to the nature and phenomena of your journey to wholeness, vitality, balance and life-fulfillment. They guide you to recognize and understand the deeper dimensions and processes at work when it comes to creating sustainable
positive change in yourself.

The foundational principles are:

• Wholeness: You are whole, completely resourceful and self-innovative
• Empowerment: You lead the way
• Synergy: Our process is co-creative and generative
• Self-Mastery: As your coach I’m devoted to learn, grow and offer you my very best self

Wholeness: You are whole, completely resourceful and self-innovative

As a Whole Person Coach, I can be counted on to:

• Witness, trust and respect you as whole and unique individual; you are a resourceful person who possesses everything you need to successfully create and navigate change on their own behalf.
• Engage all aspects of you as a whole person – mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual – to elicit the wisdom and inspiration that resides within you.
• Invite you to recognize the interrelated nature of all aspects of your life, and to examine the links and interactions between your relationships, career, identity, health, finances, and other motivating factors.

Empowerment: You lead the way
As a Whole Person Coach, I can be counted on to:

• Seek direction and your feedback to align the coaching process to your needs and desired outcome.
• Trust and allow you to solve your own problems and create your own opportunities.
• Cultivate a life- and self-affirming environment for you such that you feel safe to freely contribute and authentically express your true nature.
• Sustain a not-knowing, curious mindset that is unattached and expectation-free of you, your process and desired outcome.

Synergy (Interdependence): Our process is co-creative and generative
As a Whole Person Coach, I can be counted on to:

• Offer a highly collaborative, generative partnership that builds upon the your strengths, resources, assets and personal power and to encourage your best self to shine.
• Authentically and wholeheartedly share observations and perspectives to create a positive impact while inviting you to do the same.
• Leverage the power of the coaching relationship to promote learning, growth and positive change, from a place of openness, truth and compassion.

Self-Mastery: As your coach I’m devoted to learn, grow and offer you my very best self
As a Whole Person Coach, I can be counted on to:

• Devote myself to continued self-development as needed, including professional accreditation, advanced training, and lifelong learning. This includes mentorship to ensure that I’m bringing my best to our interactions and coaching experience.
• Effectively manage my own reactions and internal story to be fully present and supportive of your needs.
• Address any challenges or issues with professional support that could impact my ability to bring out my best in service to your needs.