[humanser] What is Life Coaching?

[Sandy]

Marion,

Thanks much for the explanation.  I currently have a license that allows me 
to practice in the mental health field, though I can not practice 
independently.  In working with clients, I believe  have helped people with 
present, and future goals, as well as issues from the past that are 
affecting them currently.  I wonder if I could do the life coaching 
independently while I can't do social work independently. Just thinking and 
not one to jump quickly in to issues I consider important (guess the word is 
transition rather than issues).


Thanks,


Sandy
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From: "Marion Gwizdala" <marion.gwizdala at verizon.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 10:11 AM
To: "'Sandy'" <sandraburgess at msn.com>; "'Human Services Mailing List'" 
<humanser at nfbnet.org>
Subject: What is Life Coaching?

> Dear All,
> I consider myself a Life Coach, so I will offer my perspective on
> this topic. As I see it, the difference between a Life Coach and a
> counselor, no matter which degree or license qualifies one for that
> protected title, is that a Life Coach deals with current issues and
> challenges while a counselor is qualified to deal with past issues, as 
> well
> as current ones. In addition, counselors are able to employ a wider array 
> of
> modalities considered to be therapeutic while a Life Coach can only 
> utilize
> techniques that are behavioral in nature. By "protected title", I mean 
> that
> most states regulate the counseling profession and only those duly 
> licensed
> may call themselves a "counselor".
> The work of a Life Coach is to assist others in achieving their
> current goals, such as improving personal performance, seeking new
> employment, or in some other way enhancing their life and health. For
> instance, as a Life Coach, I combine my training in behavior modification
> and hypnosis to help people quit smoking, achieve their ideal weight, 
> manage
> stress, reduce fear or anxiety, and enhance personal or athletic
> performance. I work with the issue as it currently presents itself and my
> work is not considered therapy.
> Though there are life coaching certifications available, such
> certifications are generally not required, as most states do not regulate
> the profession. I do not have any certifications, as my Master of Science
> degree in Mental Health Counseling far exceeds any courses that offer
> certification in life coaching.
> Though I enjoy the work I do as a Life Coach and hypnotist, I have
> the education to become licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and am
> pursuing this path. Such a thing will allow me to expand the work I do by
> treating those with whom I cannot as a Life Coach.
> I hope this helps! If you have any questions, please feel free to
> reply to this message or write to me off-list at
>
> Marion.Gwizdala at verizon.net
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion Gwizdala, M.S., C.Ht.
>
>