Why Hire a Mental Health Coach/Advocate?
Updated: Jul 27, 2020
Hey!
So glad you're here. If you're considering hiring a Mental Health Advocate or Coach, this is a great place to start.
My name is Claire Burnett and I've struggled on and off with depression. I've been seeing a therapist for five years now and I am a specially trained professional who helps my clients develop greater awareness in themselves and implement effective tools to better manage their lives.
My presentations and one on one coaching are designed not only to get you back on track when you’ve lost your way, but to help you create a more rewarding, purpose-driven life.
If you're anything like me...you may have some skepticism. So let's debunk some of the top myths about mental health coaches/advocates in particular, and break down what you can expect from my programs.
Myth #1: A Coach/Advocate Can’t Help with “Real” Mental Health Issues
While I'm not a therapists, I 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 emerging research on coaches’ use of these techniques for common problems like stress is promising.
Unlike a therapists, I don’t specialize in treating complex clinical problems. However, I do help clients balance the chakras by finding ways to manage emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, improve relationship skills, and reduce stress and anxiety — all of which bolsters mental health.
Myth #2: Coaches/Advocates Aren’t Highly Trained
A common preconceived notion I hear about coaches is that they aren’t highly qualified professionals. In reality, I've undergone extensive credentialing, and training including focuses on the aforementioned principles and techniques of CBT as well as Reiki healing and possess an RY 200. Just like a therapist, I am trained to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in my relationships with clients.
Myth #3: Coaches/Advocates Use a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Another recurring misconception is that coaches rely on generic, one-size-fits-all techniques with clients. But like therapists, I rely on well-established codes of ethics plus evidence-based techniques, while tailoring my approach to best serve each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
Much like therapists, I listen deeply to my clients to gain an understanding of their personal needs, challenges, and hopes.
Based on each client’s particular set of circumstances, I also do the following:
Ask powerful questions that help clients see themselves in new ways and open up new chakras and avenues for transformation.
Introduce new perspectives and skills. I help clients develop evidence-based skills to help them overcome obstacles they’re facing. I also provide a fresh perspective to help my clients reframe their thinking and address problems more effectively.
Help clients design actions to facilitate behavior change and hold them accountable for putting them into practice.
Clients rarely leave a coaching session without establishing a personal practice to complete before their next session. This could mean a journaling exercise to clarify values and goals, a new technique to try when emotions get the best of them, or another meaningful “homework” assignment designed to propel their transformation.
Myth #4: Seeing a Therapist is Always the Best Option
Mental health is on a spectrum, and psychotherapy may not be the best behavioral health option for your specific needs and challenges. Or, perhaps you met with a therapist previously to better understand the effects of past experiences on your life, and are now in a position to focus more on personal and professional development.
While therapy can be a great fit for many people, for others, there are numerous indicators that 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 complete self-assessments, reading, journaling, or other “homework” to help overcome personal challenges.
CONTACT ME
If you’re interested in coaching or therapy, I can connect you to the behavioral health solution that is right for your needs.
Feel free to email me directly at MsClaireBurnett@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.