3 minute read
CHERI’S COACHING CORNER
HEY, HEY LADIES
Hey, hey ladies! Welcome to my new monthly column! Each month I will be writing about a different topic of interest and sharing my thoughts with you about it. It will be a range of different topics, some informational, some controversial, sprinkled with a bit of thought-provoking or relevant topics relative to what’s happening locally or in the world. You will have to check in monthly to find out!
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I thought to kick off the column I would talk about coaching; What it is, what it isn’t, and everything in between. Many people have heard of coaching on some level but may not have a good understanding of what coaching is all about and how it differs from therapy.
So, what is coaching? Coaching is an agreed upon partnership with no power differential between the coach and client. The coach assists the client to identify goals they want to work towards and helps the client to develop a plan on how to get there or achieve the goals. The coach considers the client the expert on their own life and believes that each person already has everything they need inside them to reach their goals, but may need someone to guide them, support them, identify strengths, explore, and overcome barriers, and help them stay accountable to themselves. In today’s fast-paced, multi-tasking world, a coach may be the one person that will give you their undivided attention and listen to understand, instead of listening to respond, which is invaluable. The coach is also skilled in asking powerful,
BY CHERI REED-WATTS
thought-provoking questions to assist the client to think about possibilities they haven’t before or look at something from a different lens, which may help move the client one step closer to their goals. Coaching is not for everyone, and there is no guarantee of success. You will get as much out of it as you are willing to put into it. Life coaching has been
researched and proven to be beneficial to many individuals.
Therapy is a health care service with a primary focus on the identification, diagnoses, and treatment of mental health disorders. The therapist is seen as the “expert” who will “treat” patients to alleviate their problems, change behaviors and/or cope with existing psychological problems. This is often done (not always) by exploring the past and working toward an understanding of underlying personality dynamics that may be contributing to symptoms. Therapy is a much-needed service and is beneficial in supporting and assisting people who are suffering from various mental health disorders and/or trauma.
Both coaching and therapy are important ways to address issues; AND they are quite different in scope, perspective and technique. If you are currently receiving counseling or therapy and are interested in coaching, it is suggested that you disclose this information to your coach so that they can support you in your efforts in therapy. Working with a life coach can sometimes support work done in therapy if there is communication between the therapist and coach.
If you are interested in coaching or would like more information, feel free to contact me @ crwcoaching@ gmail.com, (585)210-0263, or visit my website, www.crwcoaching585. com
I am offering a free 30-minute phone consultation, no obligation, where we can explore if coaching is a good fit for you. I specialize in coaching women, leaders, LGBTQIA+, and women in recovery.
Until next month, keep being your authentic, amazing, ferocious, fabulous selves! Cheri
