Using Mental Health Coaching in Puyallup to Promote Your Well-being

We all face challenges that threaten to undermine our well-being. In the absence of the right set of tools to handle those challenges well, our quality of life may be affected negatively. One tool to make use of when addressing mental health issues is to consider Christian mental health coaching in Puyallup, Washington.

Mental Health Coaching in Brief

There are different kinds of coaching available, including life coaching, relationship coaching, executive coaching, spiritual coaching, wellness coaching, and mental health coaching. Just like other forms of coaching, mental health coaching is a collaborative process, but it has the specific goal of empowering individuals to achieve optimal mental well-being and improve their quality of life.

Mental health coaching focuses on the client and is directed toward accomplishing goals they set for themselves. It helps the client develop healthy coping skills and strategies, identify and address specific mental health concerns, deepen emotional and mental self-awareness and resilience, improve communication and relationships, and promote a sense of overall well-being.

During coaching sessions, your coach will guide you with reflective and open questions to explore your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings so that you can identify and challenge any negative patterns that may be undermining your mental wellness. Coaching sessions will also be opportunities for you to develop and practice new skills, be accountable for progress and implement new habits.

Mental health coaching can help you to cope with everyday anxiety and stress management, issues with work and relationships, building confidence and self-esteem, setting and accomplishing goals, being more mindful, and taking care of yourself through better sleep routines and habits such as regular exercise, regulating your emotions and practicing emotional intelligence, to name a few.

Is Coaching Different from Counseling?

A key question worth asking is what differences, if any, exist between mental health coaching and counseling. Both have their place in promoting emotional and mental well-being, though their methods and goals may look a bit different. Mental health coaching and counseling share similarities, but distinct differences exist between the two.

With counseling, the primary focus is on diagnosing and treating mental health issues such as anxiety, or depression. The process is more therapist or counselor-led, and it is driven by the expertise of the counselor or therapist. Counseling emphasizes exploring past experiences, thoughts, and emotions, to reduce symptoms of a particular condition, develop coping strategies, and find emotional healing.

On the other hand, mental health coaching is a more collaborative and client-centered approach that focuses on empowering the client toward personal growth, wellness, and self-awareness. Instead of emphasizing and exploring the past, coaching places stress on present-moment awareness, future goals, and strategies to accomplish those goals. It identifies one’s strengths and values, providing you with accountability and support on the journey.

Some of the key differences also include the training required for coaches and counselors. Counselors require extensive clinical training and will often hold at least a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, while coaches may have varied backgrounds and are typically required to complete certification through accredited coaching institutions. Coaches are not trained to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders or clinical depression.

Counseling and mental health coaching each have their place, and can both be used as helpful supplements to each other. You should choose counseling, however, in situations where you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or psychosis. Counseling is the better option when addressing trauma, PTSD, or complex mental health issues, or where there’s a need for medication management.

Coaching, on the other hand, may be of particular use when your main focus is on personal growth and self-awareness; accomplishing specific goals relating to your career or relationships; when you want guidance to manage stress, anxiety, or everyday challenges; and when you’re aiming to maintain mental wellness.

The Benefits of Mental Health Coaching in Puyallup, Washington

It’s important to note that mental health coaching in Puyallup is not a substitute for seeking counseling or professional medical treatment. That being said, there are benefits to mental health coaching, and these include the following:

• Improved mental health outcomes like a greater sense of calm and well-being
• Enhanced self-awareness and ability to self-regulate one’s emotions
• Increased resilience, energy, and coping skills to deal with everyday struggles
• Better relationships and communication through increased empathy, understanding, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries
• Improved overall well-being and life satisfaction through better stress management and achievement of goals
• Experiencing increased motivation and being empowered to attain goals
• Having supportive accountability, guidance, and a space to track progress and celebrate successes.

Mental health coaching in Puyallup, Washington empowers you to take greater control of your own mental health, working as a helpful complement to the mental health treatment you’re already receiving from a counselor or therapist.

If you’re interested and want to know how to get started with mental health coaching in Puyallup, contact our office today at Puyallup Christian Counseling in Washington. We will connect you with a certified life coach in Puyallup who resonates with your needs.