One thing I know about our profession is that we often have strong opinions. And I for one, love hearing them!

Case in point: My new 5-part report: “The Future of Psychotherapy: Don’t let these five trends catch you by surprise.” (Get your copy  in the box to the right and then please pass it around.)

In Trend #1, I wrote about the Medical Model and the Personal Growth Model of therapy. This has created strong controversy on both sides. Some professionals are passionate about the need to take a medical view. Others are concerned that the medical model has tarnished the image of therapists and therapy with the general public.

But Trend #2: “The Line between Coaching and Therapy will become more blurred” has by far created more of a stir than almost anything else I have done since we started Be A Wealthy Therapist.

I have had dozens of emails and comments.

Let me share a few of those comments from therapists (omitting names for privacy)

Some are from therapists who also do coaching:

“I transitioned into coaching two years ago and LOVE it! I enjoy working with motivated clients and appreciate the forward thinking of what coaching brings. I don’t like the medical model that assumes pathology and how it dictates who, what, when, where, and how you can work with clients.”

In response to my question about the lack of laws regulating the coaching profession:

“I received my (coaching) credential and I am also a therapist - (LSCW) in private practice.  I am not too concerned with the lack of laws concerning coaching. I make sure that my welcome pack is very thorough in covering some of these issues.  I found the ethical class offered by the coaching school very helpful as well.”

I also asked “Do you separate your work? Is it clear when you are a therapist and when you are a coach?”

Here is one response:

“Depending on my clients’ starting point, I often begin in the therapist role helping clients find their intuitive selves and to fully feel their emotions.  Once they get in touch with their inner selves, then  we work together  discovering their choices and to find their passion or dream goal(s), and that’s when I believe the coaching begins.”

While these are a sampling of those who enjoy coaching, there were some equally passionate feelings about the entire profession of coaching. For example,

“I have strong concerns about self-appointed “coaches” opening practices and charging as much or more than licensed therapists when they haven’t had the 6-8 years of higher education that becoming a therapist requires.  Nor have they had supervision, standardized exams, continuing education requirements, and ongoing legal/ethical training.  I think therapists need to protect their profession from those who claim that they can “do the same things we do” without graduate school or licensure or state oversight.”

Here is another:

“It’s frustrating to see coaches with less experience, less restriction move into our space. I could have been a coach 8 years ago based on what training most have had.  However, for my own growth I’m glad I took the path I did.”

As someone who has a strong foothold in both professions, I too have strong opinions. In fact I have been invited to write an article for a national magazine on the subject.

So, before I complete that article, I’d love to have another “Open House Town Hall Meeting” on Tuesday, June 23 to hear your thoughts on the subject. http://www.TherapistLeadershipInstitute.com/townhall

Join us for this lively event!

This will be a International Therapist Leadership Institute Open House tele-meeting hosted by me, Casey Truffo.

You are invited to share your thoughts on the subject. In fact, you can participate in several ways. You can be a part of the call live. You can sign up and get the recording later. Or share your thoughts in the comment box below.

If you’d like to register for the  Open House Town Hall Meeting where our agenda is the Coaching and Therapy Professions, please visit: http://www.TherapistLeadershipInstitute.com/townhall

I can’t wait for this exchange!

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