Wellness Coaching

Since the mid- and late-twentieth century, coaching has risen in significance.  With so much possibly for confusion, let’s take a moment to clarify what we mean when we say “coaching” and more specifically “wellness coaching.”

Coaching is about partnering with a client in creative and thought-provoking ways to help them reach their goals.  In coaching, the client is believed to be the expert in their own life, career or company and with the right guidance and accountability, able to accomplish their goals.

To further clarify, let’s do a little comparing between coaching and other disciplines:

Coaching vs. Therapy:  The simplest way to distinguish these two is this:  Therapy looks back, Coaching looks forward.  Therapy is designed to  work on resetting (or fixing) some problem that you currently have by analyzing and correcting something that happened in your past.  Coaching is designed to help you accomplish a goal, especially when you’re not confident you can, or when you haven’t already incorporated the habits that will propel you in the direction you want.

Coaching vs. Consulting:  A consultant is hired because of their expertise and their ability to diagnose problems and prescribe solutions.  A coach, on the other hand, believes that the client is creative and capable enough to design and achieve the best-for-them solutions.

Coaching vs. Mentoring:  A mentor pours themselves, their experience and wisdom into guiding an individual based on his or her expertise.  A mentor might advise, counsel or coach their mentee.  A coach doesn’t advise or counsel but instead helps the client set and achieve the goals they want to achieve.

Coaching vs. Training:  A trainer is somewhat like a consultant in that they set the agenda.  Trainers are hired to teach to their set of objectives.  A coach helps a client clarify objects and, unlike a trainer, is ok with a non-linear path to success or completion.

Life/Wellness Coaching vs. Sports Coaching:  A sports or athletic coach, is typically seen as an expert who trains you in a particular discipline or sub-discipline.  A life/wellness coach, on the other hand, may be able to do that but focus on know the person or company well enough to help them accomplish their goals.  A life/wellness coach will also focus on building from strengths rather than fixing what’s broken.

Wellness coaching differs from typical athletic coaching in that it focuses on helping you reach the goals *you* want to reach – as opposed to telling you what to do and how to do it.

I hope as you have read these comparisons that you’ll have more clarity as to whether having a coaching relationship will be an integral part of your wellness goals.

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