Understanding When to Seek a Coach vs. a Clinical Therapist: Sarah's and Antonio's Journeys

In today's society, the discussion around mental health and well-being has become increasingly prevalent. While this is a positive development in terms of awareness and support, it has also led to some misconceptions. One significant issue is that some individuals may mistakenly believe that facing any form of adversity or challenge requires clinical intervention. Conversely, others might not recognise when their issues surpass what a coach can address and require a clinical therapist's expertise. It is crucial to understand when it is appropriate to seek the guidance of a coach and when to consult a clinical therapist.

A Story of Overcoming Adversity: Sarah's Journey

Meet Sarah, a dedicated project manager at a thriving tech company. Sarah had always been known for her calm demeanour and ability to handle high-pressure situations. However, when her latest project encountered unexpected obstacles, things began to unravel. Critical deadlines were missed due to unforeseen technical issues, and the pressure from upper management was mounting. Sarah found herself working late into the night, skipping meals, and feeling constantly on edge.

One particularly stressful evening, after another gruelling day filled with back-to-back meetings and mounting issues, Sarah experienced a panic attack. Her heart raced, she couldn't catch her breath, and she felt an overwhelming sense of dread. She was convinced she was failing and that her career was in jeopardy. This panic attack was a wake-up call. Sarah realised she needed help and initially sought guidance from a positive psychology coach with renowned accreditation.

During her first few sessions with the coach, it became evident that Sarah's issues were beyond the scope of coaching. The coach recognised the symptoms of severe anxiety and potential depression and wisely advised Sarah to consult a clinical therapist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Sarah heeded this advice and sought out a clinical therapist. During her sessions, the therapist provided a safe space for Sarah to explore her feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms. They worked on cognitive-behavioural techniques tailored to her specific needs, helping Sarah manage her anxiety and regain control over her professional and personal life. Once Sarah finished her therapy, she decided to reach out to the coach again to continue developing her inner resources. The therapist had helped her move from -6 to zero, and now she wanted to continue with the coach from zero to plus plus. (Note: many therapists are also coaches.)

A Story of Overcoming Adversity: Antonio's Journey

Now, let's meet Antonio, a senior executive at a marketing firm. Antonio faced a different set of challenges. He was responsible for leading a major campaign that was critical to the company's success. Unexpectedly, the campaign's launch faced multiple setbacks, including a significant budget cut and the loss of a key team member. The pressure to succeed was immense, and Antonio began to feel the weight of these challenges.

Antonio, unlike Sarah, did not experience panic attacks but felt a growing sense of stress and anxiety. Concerned about his ability to lead effectively under pressure, Antonio decided to seek help. He turned to a positive psychology coach, known for their evidence-based approach and renowned accreditation.

During their initial consultation, the coach acknowledged the seriousness of Antonio's situation but also recognised that Antonio seemed to have the necessary resources to overcome the adversity. The coach assured Antonio that they would work together to regain balance, well-being, and optimal functionality. They introduced Antonio to the ELLIS ABCDE exercise, which could help him manage his stress and develop a more resilient mindset.

Working with the Coach: Antonio's Journey

1. A - Activating Event: Antonio identified the campaign setbacks and team member loss as the events triggering his stress.
2. B - Beliefs: Antonio realised he believed the setbacks were entirely his fault and that failure was inevitable.
3. C - Consequences: These beliefs led to increased anxiety, sleepless nights, and reduced confidence in his leadership.
4. D - Disputation: With the coach's guidance, Antonio challenged these irrational beliefs, examining the evidence and considering alternative perspectives. He realised that while he had a role in the setbacks, external factors and team dynamics also played significant parts.
5. E - New Effect: Antonio developed a new perspective, focusing on actionable solutions and strategies to move the campaign forward.

Throughout their sessions, the coach reminded Antonio that they would be attentive to any signs suggesting he might need different help, such as symptoms of mild depression or PTSD. This reassurance helped Antonio feel supported and confident in their collaborative process.

Over time, Antonio's stress levels decreased, and his leadership skills strengthened. He implemented new strategies, motivated his team, and successfully launched the campaign, all while maintaining his well-being.

Understanding the Role of Coaches and Therapists

Coaches are professionals who help individuals improve their performance, achieve goals, and develop skills in various areas of life. They are particularly useful for those facing work-related stress, career challenges, or personal development goals. If you are feeling overwhelmed by a specific project or professional pressure, a coach might help you develop better time management, stress management techniques, and goal-setting strategies. Coaches can provide practical tools and motivational support to enhance your performance and well-being.

Clinical Therapists, on the other hand, are trained to deal with mental health issues that require deeper psychological intervention. If you experience symptoms such as persistent anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or any signs of PTSD, a clinical therapist is the appropriate professional to consult. Therapists can provide diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and offer therapeutic interventions that address underlying psychological issues. They are equipped to handle cases where emotional distress is significantly impacting your daily life and functioning.

The DSM and Its Role

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a comprehensive guide used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. It outlines specific criteria for each disorder, ensuring a standardised approach to diagnosis and treatment. For example, PTSD is diagnosed based on criteria such as exposure to a traumatic event, intrusive symptoms, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal and reactivity. By adhering to the DSM guidelines, therapists can accurately identify and treat various mental health conditions, providing the necessary care for individuals experiencing significant psychological distress.

How to Decide

1. Evaluate Your Symptoms: Reflect on your symptoms. Are you experiencing severe emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, or panic attacks? If so, a clinical therapist is the right choice. If your challenges are more about performance and achieving specific goals, a coach might be suitable.
2. Consider the Nature of Your Issues: If your issues are deeply rooted in past trauma, psychological patterns, or are significantly affecting your mental health, therapy is needed. If you are looking for guidance on how to improve certain aspects of your life or work, coaching could be beneficial.
3. Assess the Impact on Daily Life: If your distress is causing significant impairment in your ability to function day-to-day, therapy is essential. If you are managing well but seeking to improve and optimise your performance, coaching might be the way to go.

Conclusion

While the increasing dialogue around mental health is beneficial for raising awareness, it is vital to maintain clarity about what constitutes normal stress responses versus conditions requiring clinical intervention. Tools like the ELLIS ABCDE exercise can help individuals manage adversity more effectively, and the DSM guidelines provide a robust framework for diagnosing PTSD accurately. By understanding these distinctions, we can ensure that individuals receive the proper care and support they need.

Sarah's journey from overwhelming stress to empowered self-management through the guidance of a clinical therapist demonstrates the power of cognitive-behavioural tools and professional guidance in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the importance of distinguishing between different types of psychological distress and addressing them appropriately. After completing her therapy, Sarah reached out to her coach again to continue developing her inner resources, moving from a state of equilibrium to thriving.

Similarly, Antonio's journey illustrates how a positive psychology coach can help individuals with the resources to manage stress and regain balance, well-being, and optimal functionality. The coach's attentiveness to potential deeper issues ensured that Antonio received the appropriate support.

Understanding the difference between adversity that can be managed with the help of a coach and conditions like mild depression or PTSD that require a clinical therapist is crucial. Every evidence-based coach will raise the possibility that they might not be the right professional to help if the situation requires deeper psychological intervention. Recognising this difference ensures that individuals can retrieve well-being using their resources when possible and seek the necessary clinical support when needed.

At Positive Performances, we are Performance Strategists. We educate, train, mentor, and coach leaders on mental health and performance, helping them to create their own strategies to reach the success they deserve without losing their mind and health.

If you're ready to start working on the learnings we can gain from everyday adversity, reach out to me to begin your journey towards enhanced well-being and resilience. Let's work together to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

• Contact me now

*This article is generated by KrummA?, a virtual coach designed to leverage the extensive database of content, theses, videos, and knowledge compiled by Krumma Jonsdottir. KrummA? provides insights and guidance based on the rich repository of information curated by Jonsdottir, ensuring that users receive well-informed and comprehensive advice tailored to their needs. With access to this vast array of resources, KrummA? offers a unique blend of expertise and personalised coaching, drawing from the depth of Krumma Jonsdottir's scholarly and practical contributions.