Exploring the Benefits of Life Coaching When Therapy is Unavailable
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Life Coaching
In recent times, the availability of qualified therapists in the U.S. has diminished significantly. Have you thought about engaging a life coach instead? My experience with coaching alongside therapy last year proved to be incredibly rewarding.
Mindset coaching has been instrumental in helping me enhance my mindfulness and discover inner tranquility.
Section 1.1: The Need for Alternative Support
As someone who frequently discusses mental health and advises those in challenging circumstances to seek therapy, I often hear from individuals expressing the struggle to find a suitable therapist. A realization struck me during a biweekly women’s circle I participate in on Medium. The women involved are not only inspiring but many of them are also coaches. Following one of our recent calls, it became clear that coaching could serve as a viable solution for many.
Numerous individuals I converse with have pursued conventional therapy but found it ineffective or had difficulty connecting with a professional.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Life Coaching
What exactly is a life coach? While they differ from therapists, life coaches must also obtain certification to offer their services. According to Very Well Mind:
A life coach is a wellness professional dedicated to helping individuals progress in their lives toward greater fulfillment. They assist clients in enhancing their relationships, careers, and everyday experiences.
Life coaches work with you to define your objectives, identify barriers, and develop strategies to overcome challenges. They focus on harnessing your individual strengths to foster enduring change. When I began my coaching journey, we held an introductory call to assess our compatibility, akin to a mutual interview.
One notable aspect of life coaching is the accessibility compared to traditional therapy. My coach was available Monday to Friday via Instagram for text communication, which we discussed before commencing our program.
Section 1.2: Qualifications of a Life Coach
How does one become a life coach? Generally, they must complete a year-long certification program. According to Transformation Academy, life coaches aim to enhance clients' personal, romantic, or professional lives and may specialize in areas like health and fitness.
For instance, my coach specialized in mindset coaching, guiding me to foster a positive mindset by eliminating limiting beliefs and practicing mindfulness, among other techniques.
Chapter 2: Finding the Right Life Coach
Finding a life coach is easier than you might think. Many coaches operate globally, including on platforms like Medium. Personally, I discovered my coach on Instagram. Her motivating content about overcoming burnout resonated with me, prompting me to reach out regarding her coaching program.
Some notable coaches on Medium include:
- Megan Llorente: A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over six years of experience supporting women through various life paths.
- Dawn Smiles: Focused on spirituality and happiness, she shares valuable insights on both subjects.
- Teresa Morillas: After nearly two decades in the food and pharmaceutical industries, she transitioned to become a Nutritional Counselor and Health Coach.
- Kylie van Gelder: A certified life coach with an MSc in Health & Social Psychology, she aids women in identifying their paths and realizing their self-worth.
Coaching can now be conducted virtually, so geographical constraints should not hinder you from finding a suitable coach. My own coach resided thousands of miles away, providing resources like weekly videos and workbooks, alongside text support for any queries I had throughout the week.
I encourage you to consider life coaching if you're facing challenges and seeking support. It offers a unique opportunity to engage in personalized, intensive one-on-one sessions throughout the coaching program.
Hi, I’m Nicole Dake.
My Profile — March 2022
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