My Journey: Why I Chose to Get Certified
When I first considered incorporating coaching into my practice, I thought, I’ve got this—I’m already a therapist. But it didn’t take long to realize that coaching wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. The more I learned, the more I understood that to truly serve my clients—and protect my practice—I needed formal training.
That’s why I became a Board Certified Coach (BCC) through the Center for Credentialing and Education over a decade ago. This certification is specifically designed for licensed mental health professionals, building on the skills you already have while teaching you the nuances of coaching.
Here’s what certification did for me:
Clarity: I learned how to clearly differentiate between therapy and coaching. I now know when a client needs one versus the other—and how to set boundaries accordingly.
Credibility: My BCC credential signals to clients, colleagues, and licensing boards that I’m qualified to coach. It gives me peace of mind and reassures clients that they’re in good hands.
Confidence: With the right training, I’m able to provide evidence-based coaching that truly helps my clients achieve their goals.
The Difference Between Therapy and Coaching
Think of therapy and coaching as two different vehicles. Therapy is like driving a car—it’s designed to help people navigate the road of life, often addressing past issues, mental health concerns, and emotional healing. Coaching, on the other hand, is like flying a plane. It’s all about forward momentum, helping clients reach their destination faster and more efficiently.
Without the proper training, trying to coach with a therapy mindset is like attempting to fly a plane with only a driver’s license. Sure, you know how to steer, but do you really understand the controls? The differences might seem subtle, but they’re critical to providing the kind of results your clients are looking for.
How to Get Certified
If you’re serious about coaching, certification isn’t just a box to check—it’s a vital step to ensuring you’re offering the best possible service to your clients. Here are two highly respected certification paths to consider:
– Center For Coaching and Credentialling: Tailored for therapists, this certification builds on your existing expertise and provides the specific tools you need to excel as a coach.
– ICF Certification: The International Coaching Federation offers a broader credential for those looking to dive into the coaching world, regardless of their background.
Whichever path you choose, certification will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and credibility to thrive in the coaching space.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling inspired (or a little overwhelmed), I’ve got something to help you take the next step. My 2-Part Video Training: The Therapist’s Ultimate Guide to Coaching is a free resource that breaks everything down into actionable steps.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- A step-by-step guide to clarifying your professional goals.
- Detailed instructions on how to become a certified coach.
- Education requirements, timelines, and recommended programs.
I hope this helps!
Let’s Stay Connected
Have questions or want to share your own coaching journey? Connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you navigate this exciting career path!
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
PS: If you know a colleague who’s been dabbling in coaching—or thinking about making the leap—do them a favor and share this article. It might just be the nudge they need to make an informed, intentional decision. 🌟
Resources:
Harris, E. A., & JD, E. D. (2009). Coaching: A New Frontier Some Questions and Answers.
Duffy, M., & Passmore, J. (2010). Ethics in coaching: An ethical decision making framework for coaching psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review, 5(2), 140-151.
Aboujaoude, E. (2020). Where life coaching ends and therapy begins: Toward a less confusing treatment landscape. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(4), 973-977.
Hart, V., Blattner, J., & Leipsic, S. (2001). Coaching versus therapy: A perspective. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 53(4), 229.
