What is the Difference Between Counseling and Coaching?
Counseling and Coaching are similar in that they are both avenues of self-development where you have a partner dedicated to your self improvement and growth. However, the ways that growth is achieved can feel very different.
Counseling - The deeper experience
Due to the stereotypes in our society, many people only think of seeing a counselor when something is ‘wrong.’ However, this is an unfortunate myth of counseling. Counseling with Lisa Huybrechts, M.A. provides normal, healthy people with a deep, meaningful personal growth experience.
Counseling is a holistic ‘whole person’ undertaking. Past influences, present experiences, and future aspirations are used to create awareness and, ultimately, personal evolution. Discussion of emotional matters, relationships, thought patterns, spirituality, behaviors, unresolved issues, and personal growth on the deepest levels are possibilities with counseling with Lisa.
Since counseling can delve into more sensitive issues, great care is taken to ensure your comfort and safety in the process. For this reason, much of the direction of the work is left to you and your therapist will always follow your lead.
Coaching – A rocket to change
Coaching is very action oriented. As a life coache, Lisa Huybrechts, M.A. will help you to get focused about what you want, and what your goals are for yourself. Then she will help you to create a plan for making it happen. Your goals and solutions are all yours, but Lisa a can also brainstorm with you to generate new ideas.
Lisa may ask you to do things that will help you get closer to your goal (although you always have the option of saying no.) Part of the coaching experience is having an accountability partner, so your coach may ask you to check in with them periodically to let them know what actions you have taken. If you say you’ll do something and then don’t, Lisa may challenge you as to why not.
Coaching is not therapy, so if it appears that emotional or unresolved issues are impeding your progress Lisa may refer you to a counselor.