39: Life Coaching: the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Coaching is an interesting field with many nuances, and we hear a LOT of buzz about coaching right now. There are coaches for literally EVERY aspect of life. While there are things to appreciate about the field of coaching, there are definitely things to look out for, as well. I’m joined by my good friend, Heidi Smith, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor. 
 In Part 2 of this conversation, I’m joined by Rachel Ambrose for a coach’s perspective. Rachel is a coach for neurodivergents who has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism. As someone who holds multiple coaching certifications, she is here to give us a better look at the coaching field. She talks about the bounds of coaching and her personal experience around green and red flags in the industry. Rachel shares tips to help people know how to find a helpful coach and be more knowledgeable about the coaching field. 

Show Highlights:

How Heidi partners with clients and coaches in her counseling work

Why there are legitimate questions about the training and oversight in the coaching field

Why coaching is, by definition, a less intimidating relationship than with a therapist but is like “paying for a friend”

How coaching and therapy embody very different relationships, lanes, and ethics

What to consider in questions about licensure and certifications

The ethical rabbit hole around the client’s relationship with therapists and coaches

Why the coaching field is like the Wild West right now

Pitfalls in the coaching industry around sexual integrity, case management, interventions, and narcissism

KC’s experience in researching ADHD coaching 

The vagueness around a “spirituality coach”

The bottom line about coaching: “Do your research and be aware of potential drawbacks.”

Part 2 from Rachel Amrose:

Green and red flags around coaching around the following:

Power dynamics in the relationship

“I have the cure/the magical answer for your problem!”

Concrete, actionable items

How to know if a coach’s training is worthwhile or not

How to gauge a coach’s willingness to refer out–and stay in their lane


Resources and Links:
 Connect with Rachel Ambrose: Website
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
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