“Common Myths about Mental Health Coaches
As a relatively new and rapidly growing area of coaching, there are many misconceptions about mental health coaching.
Myth #1: A mental health coach can’t help with “real” mental health issues
While mental health coaches aren’t therapists, they can still draw on principles and practices from evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Extensive research backs the use of these interventions in a clinical setting to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. And mental health coaches’ use of these techniques for common problems like stress is promising.
Many people choose a mental health coach vs. a therapist if they want professional support, but don’t have a complex mental health condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts. Emotional wellness coaches can help clients manage emotions, change their way of approaching problems, improve relationship skills, and reduce stress and anxiety—all of which bolster mental health.
Myth #2: Mental health coaches aren’t highly trained
Many mental health coaches are rigorously trained. And just like therapists, coaches are trained to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in their relationships with clients.
Myth #3: Mental health coaches use a one-size-fits-all approach
Another misconception is that coaches rely on generic, one-size-fits-all techniques with clients. In reality, emotional health coaches rely on well-established codes of ethics, plus evidence-based techniques, while tailoring their approaches to best serve each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
Myth #4: Seeing a therapist is always the best option
Mental health occurs on a spectrum, and psychotherapy may not be the best option for your specific needs and challenges. Or, maybe you met with a therapist previously to better understand the effects of past experiences on your life and are now in a better position to focus on personal and professional development. While therapy can be a great fit for many people, for others there are several indicators that mental health coaching may be a better match. These include:
- The mental and emotional health challenges you’re dealing with are on the mild end of the spectrum.
- You prefer a shorter-term approach to personal growth and development.
- You want to improve your stress management or work-life balance.
- You want help in clarifying your values, goals, and purpose.
- You’re interested in learning practical, actionable ways to address your personal and professional challenges.
- You’re willing to try self-assessments, reading, journaling, or other “homework” to help overcome personal challenges.”
-Matthew Boone, LCSW (What is a Mental Health Coach – 2023 Article)