Therapist to Coach……
Therapist to Coach….
Many of you already know this, but I’ve been a professional therapist and counselor for nearly 20 years! The many experiences and adventures within that lengthy time frame have been invaluable. But I started transitioning to coaching over these last few years (This next month celebrates one year of providing solely coaching to my clients!), and I want to fill you in on why. Honestly, there are a number of different answers, but it really comes down to realizing I wanted more freedom and flexibility in my practice. In my counselor role, whenever a move occurred (either on my end or my client’s), I had to say goodbye despite the progress we were making together. But being a coach allows me to continue the relationships and coaching work together despite whatever path life takes either of us down—moves included. And also, I simply love coaching. It lets me focus on my favorite approaches, topics, and ways of working with clients. Not to mention, I get to leave out some aspects of counseling that left me feeling drained and worn-out. It’s a win-win for both of us.
So, why the news now? Well, I just recently unpacked my private practice. Yes, you read that right. I had literally packed up my entire practice into one large box during our last move, and all of the details that made up my private practice—supplies, paperwork, licenses, diplomas, decor, and counseling tools—had been neatly stored away for several years. That is, until now. It wasn’t just office supplies and support tools, though. All of it represented so many beautiful memories with clients—from time spent practicing new skills and making art to the sacred space that was created for people to heal and recover from life’s challenges. I can’t tell you the overwhelming nostalgia that washed over me when I opened up that box and looked back on my career and practice. It was priceless! That being said, some of those tools and skills are still very much involved in my coaching work today. But there are definitely new changes as well!
These days, I’m really focusing on Noetic Field Therapy sessions (which you can discover more about here) and Creative Life Design Coaching. I’m also completing the Life Purpose Coach Training with Dr. Eric Maisel, which I’ll be adding in to further support coaching clients. I’m looking forward to these exciting additions along with more of what my clients are asking for.
That being said, I understand there are a lot of people who aren’t entirely sure about coaching, including what to look for in a coach, so here’s a great explanation of why working with a coach who has experience as a therapist can be so incredibly beneficial!
Why work with a coach who has experience as a professional therapist?
When you work with a coach who also has experience working as a professional therapist, you know you’re working with someone who has thousands of hours of deep client listening, knows how to identify the essence of what’s being shared, and sees your patterns and themes with clarity and accuracy. Coaches with a therapist background are natural listeners and not only can they see the underlying stories that are wanting to emerge but they can also meet them with finesse. Plus, we have the experience needed to know the best direction for additional supports and can offer appropriate referral guidance if counseling needs do come up. Ultimately, you’re in very good, qualified hands when working with a coach who also has the understanding and skill set that come with having been a professional therapist.
*Disclaimer: Coaching, NFT, and Coaching Intensives are not meant to be a substitute for counseling, therapy, or medical treatment. While I have numerous years of experience in the mental health field, it’s important to distinguish that these services are of a non-medical/non-clinical nature.