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WOULD YOU WORK BEST WITH A Coach, Consultant, or Counselor?

Coaching is a unique profession that is distinct from both traditional consulting services and psychological counseling. Understanding the differences between these professions will help you to select the right person to work with in your situation. Consultants... Traditional consultants are typically hired to consider and solve a specific, somewhat narrowly defined problem. To do so, they bring with them a predefined set of tools and ideas that have worked well for other people in similar situations. A consultant's work may end with a set of recommendations regarding how best to solve the problem, or may continue as long as needed to implement those recommendations. A consultant should be able to provide you with up-to-date information on the resources and tools that apply to your specific problem. Counselors... Counselors are licensed therapists who are specially trained to help clients resolve emotional issues that have their roots in the past but are affecting the person's ability to function in the present. A licensed therapist is also the only professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat mental-health conditions. If you feel depressed, profoundly "stuck," or unable to take actions to improve your present and future, you should contact a counselor or therapist. Coaching is in no way intended to replace or bypass the services of licensed psychological counselors. Coaches... Coaches work with clients to develop and carry out a process of positive personal change. No matter what the problem, project, or transition of immediate concern, a coach will encourage you to think in a whole-life context -- in other words, to see the connections among the parts of your life, and to ask, "How can I re-design my life in ways that will support my goals?" Coaches also focus on what is unique about you, and collaborate with you to choose the tools and ideas that fit you as an individual. Although emotions and the past are valued and explored insofar as they help shape your choices, the focus is on taking action to improve your present and future. Contact me if you have questions about coaching and whether coaching is right for you. I offer a FREE introduction to coaching by phone, and would be happy to discuss the details of your situation.

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