Benefits of Coaching for Mental Health Disorders
There are a variety of different types of mental health disorders each with distinct characteristics. Depending on an individual’s diagnosis and mental health needs there may be certain components of typical mental health treatment plans that may be effective for some individuals, and ineffective for others. Therefore, most individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders will likely require tailored psychological treatment plans. Though both can help an individual’s mental wellbeing the education requirements, accreditation and purpose of a psychotherapist is vastly dissimilar to that of a wellness coach. The primary difference between psychotherapists and coaches is that psychotherapists are trained to treat individuals facing mental illnesses whereas coaches are not. Psychotherapy often focuses on past and present issues while coaching is primarily focused on the future. Some individuals diagnosed with mental illness will find treatment from a psychotherapist to be sufficient. Others may find the combination of participating in both coaching and psychotherapy to be beneficial.
BENEFITS
There are several benefits of wellness coaching that are achieved through different strategies, some of which include:
Reduced anxiety: coaching helps individuals discover how they already possess the skills needed to exert more active control in their lives, which can alleviate anxiety.
Improved moods: coaching implores individuals to generate their own solutions to problems, and when resolution is found an individual can take full responsibility and pride in the results.
Emotional growth: coaching is primarily forward focused, but learning from the past (e.g. acknowledging past experiences) can help unlock an individual’s potential to take action to change and make way for the ability to form new stories.
Better rest: through coaching an individual will develop healthy habits and integrate them into his or her daily routine (e.g. exercise, nutritious diet, etc.), which can result in more restful and restorative sleep.
Increased self-esteem: coaching is about helping individuals identify their true aspirations, core values and desires and empowering individuals to become aware of their own resourcefulness and ability to achieve their goals.
Every person is different and will have a unique set of needs when it comes to tending to one’s mental wellbeing and mental health. Life coaching is intended to help individuals develop resilience, strengths and performance. Through coaching an individual will uncover his or her authentic life-goals and realize they are attainable through his or her inherent abilities.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.