Do I Need Coaching or Therapy? Finding the Right Fit for You…
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes” - Carl Jung
As a high achiever, it is likely you are always striving for excellence, to function optimally and to perform at your peak. But what happens when the journey becomes overwhelming? It’s essential to understand whether you need a psychologist, a coach, or perhaps both to help you thrive and flourish. Let’s dive into the distinctions between these professionals and how they can help you reach your peak performance.
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What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is your go-to expert for mental health, trained to dive deep into the mind's complexities and help you navigate emotional and behavioural challenges. They undergo extensive training, including a 6-year path to becoming a registered psychologist, mastering skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Unlike coaches, psychologists address underlying issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which they are extensively trained in. They’re skilled in creating tailored treatment plans that stabilize and heal, focusing on deep psychological insights and therapeutic techniques rather than just goal-setting and performance enhancement. This support is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and dealing with stress or perfectionism. Whether it’s short-term support or long-term therapy, psychologists are equipped to help you manage mental health conditions, offering a blend of scientific knowledge and compassionate care to help you truly thrive and flourish.
What is a coaching psychologist?
Although coaching psychology is not yet an endorsed practice area within Australia, as it is in other areas of the world, there is a growing body of research that contributes towards the field's rapid growth. These professionals blend the best of psychology and coaching to help you flourish in all areas of your life. A coaching psychologist enhances your well-being and performance by using strategies rooted in proven psychological theories and approaches, including positive psychological interventions. With the right mix of qualifications (for example, registration with AHPRA as a psychologist and certification with ICF), ongoing professional development, and supervised practice, they are equipped to support you in sports, business, and personal endeavours. Picture yourself mastering mental skills that keep you at the top of your game, managing stress with ease, and staying perpetually motivated. These experts use techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and a Strengths-Based Approach. They help you identify and utilize your strengths, understand your values and purpose, and find your flow, all aimed at helping you function and perform at your best. They’re your partner in the journey towards peak performance, empowering you to live a life that’s not just about surviving, but truly thriving.
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What is a Coach?
A coach collaborates with clients through a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Unlike psychologists, coaches do not address mental health issues but help to guide clients in setting clear, actionable goals, improving self-awareness, and enhancing performance. Additionally, coaches can offer practical strategies to overcome professional challenges and achieve peak performance. There are different types of coaches. For example, a life coach focuses on personal goals, such as improving relationships or achieving a better work-life balance. Life coaches help clients stay motivated and overcome obstacles to reach their desired personal outcomes. Alternatively, an executive coach specializes in helping individuals reach their professional goals, such as improving leadership skills, enhancing team performance, and navigating career transitions. Executive coaches often work with high-potential managers and leaders to boost their impact within the organization.
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The Key differences between a coach & a Psychologist
Focus Areas: Psychologists predominantly address mental health issues, past traumas, and emotional well-being. Coaches predominantly focus on goal-setting, performance enhancement, and future aspirations.
Relationship Dynamics: The psychologist-client relationship may involve a power differential due to the psychologist's expertise in mental health. In coaching, the relationship is usually more collaborative, with the client viewed as the expert on their own life.
Session Structure: Psychological sessions are typically longer-term and based on therapeutic models. Coaching sessions are usually short-term, structured, and goal-focused.
Credentials: Psychologists require formal training and registration with bodies like the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Coaches may have certifications from bodies like the International Coaching Federation but do not need to be registered.
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Tips on Finding the Right Practitioner for You
Comfort and Rapport: Choose someone you feel comfortable with and can be open and vulnerable around.
Relevant Experience: Ensure the practitioner has experience in the areas you need help with.
Valid Credentials: Check that they have the necessary qualifications and operate under a regulating body and code of ethics.
Evidence-Based Approaches: Look for practitioners who use strategies backed by research to help you reach your goals.
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Deciding between a coach, a psychologist, or both depends on your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to thrive in your career, improve your mental health, or achieve personal milestones, the right support can make all the difference.
At Flow to Flourish, I, Jess Stout, bring the best of both worlds. With my experience as a registered psychologist with a master's degree in applied positive psychology, and as an associate certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), I can help you navigate your challenges and achieve your highest potential. I draw upon coaching psychology as the formal practice of implementing positive psychological interventions. Book a consultation today to start your journey towards flourishing and peak performance, whether you want an in-person session in the West Perth clinic, an in-person walking session or a telehealth session anywhere in Australia.