Is hiring a ‘coach’ a shortcut to mental health?
And now that AI health coaching has entered the conversation, these problems are likely to grow.
As a licensed social worker who specializes in mental health and public health, I have seen the growing popularity of training and how patient interest seems to stem from a lack of health care. affordable mental beauty.
Coaches have the opportunity to fill the void and work with physicians to help clients. Many people are looking for coaching to help them make a big decision or hold them accountable for moving forward to achieve a set goal – from starting a business to following their health habits. However, because the industry is not regulated, it is important that people understand its limitations before using the services of a trainer.
Why is coaching so popular?
In broad terms, coaches help someone create a plan to achieve certain goals – for example, making changes in their work, diet or relationships. It can be effective in helping people manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, between doctor visits and follow their treatment plan.
Amidst Covid-19, physical and mental health care became more difficult to access, which may have contributed to the trainer’s popularity. People who already had doubts about the health care system turned to trainers in the hope of finding a special, personalized treatment.
Another contributing factor could be the rise of the gig economy, with training appealing to self-employed people. Social media and the internet have also boosted the popularity of exercise by making it easier to research and find health advice, regardless of whether the advice is correct.
In the end, life training is very much based on positive thinking, focusing on personal strengths and positive qualities for happiness – in short, looking at the bright side and not focusing on the negative.
Since its inception, positive psychology has been scrutinized for unsubstantiated scientific claims of therapeutic efficacy. And while this approach works for some, others find that it is individual, not giving enough weight to how external issues such as racism can play a role in mental health.
What you can ask for
Ultimately, each person’s needs are individual, and a life coach can help. However, there are some points to keep in mind during the initial interview.
- What training does the trainer have? What is their background? I recommend looking into their education and licensing, as well as any titles or certifications you don’t know about.
- Is someone telling you that they can cure you or that they have a product that can fix your problem – diet plan, diet, training course, etc.?
- Do they have research and evidence, not just stories, to back up the claims they are making? If something is said to be “tested” or “proven”, make sure you ask about the data.
- Is it someone who says that his service is the only way to get better? Do they make wild claims, such as being able to cure someone of their depressive symptoms in one month? An honest coach will not promise to completely change your life or cure you.
- Is there a legal contract with the services provided clearly? Does this contract address limitations on the services provided? Is there clarity about fees and charges?
- Is the coach willing to be flexible about their approach? Are they defensive when you ask questions?
Life coaching has the potential to be an evidence-based, short-term practice, but potential clients need to carefully consider whether it’s right for them.
Emily Hemendinger is an assistant professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
This article is reprinted from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the book original article.
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