Mental health professionals grow in numbers and classifications as society continues to provide stressors that contribute to the overall statistics of mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four adults over the age of 18 suffer from a diagnosed mental disorder in a given year and in 2004 that estimate was close to 58 million people (Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27). This does not take into account a more recent upsurge of unhappiness as a result of our economic downturn resulting in loss of jobs, homes, and security. There are various types of treatable mental illnesses and professionals specific to each disorder. Among those professionals working with these adults are psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction counselors, religious counselors, therapists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers.
Mental health professionals, genuinely, have good listening and communication skills, are analytical and problem solvers, and enter the field because they enjoy helping others. This is also an accurate description of a life or executive coach. Are the two compatible? It may depend on the orientation of the mental health professional and how well he or she is able to transcend into a primary role of asking questions as opposed to also giving answers. After all, these professionals are well educated and work to earn licensures to be able to offer solutions to their client's problems. Very much like a physicians, they are paid to give a diagnosis and workable treatment plan, supporting their "patients" until they enter into a state of well being or are able to cope with their crisis. As a counselor or therapist it can be a challenge to adapt to a coaching setting; it is necessary in order to have a successful coaching relationship. The following psychotherapy and counseling approaches may offer the most similarities to the ideas promoted by coaching professionals:
• Reality Therapy focuses on an individual's ability to choose his or her behavior, the present versus the past, movement toward a solution rather than accentuating problem, and goal setting with in a realistic action plan.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a combination of behavior therapy and cognitive theory. Among the principles used in this mode of therapy include relaxation techniques, practiced behavioral responses, accountability, affirmation, imagery, Neuro-linguistic programming, motivation, and exploring opportunities.
• Rational Emotive Therapy, based on an emotional/behavioral connection, promotes self acceptance, empowerment, an understanding of the client's perspective, activity towards change, assertiveness, and a collaborative therapist/client relationship.
The coaching relationship is collaborative in nature, concentrates on a client's present situation, his or her motivations and goals, behaviors, and action plans to achieve those goals, and employs affirmation statements based on NLP. Appropriate coaching candidates exhibit good mental health and are ready and able to make changes in their lives. Mental health professionals looking to enter into the coaching arena may consider making a conscious effort to stay clear of interchanging therapy with coaching techniques as to avoid a misinterpretation of the objectives of the relationship.
Lynne Lovett has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling. She has worked primarily in the areas of social work, medical and vocational case management, community coordination, and as a group facilitator for agencies involved with substance abuse and child maltreatment. Currently Lynne is a certified executive and life coach and certified family mediator.
