Coaching Mental Illness In The Context Of Marriage Counseling
Demanding as it may be, coaching for mental illness can be a very gratifying undertaking. Those who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses often find it difficult to deal with life situations. Their disheartening feelings will not improve without assistance. Coaching mental illness can greatly benefit such people.
Mental illness is a disease that is more prevalent in modern society than most people realize. It is estimated that one in ten people will experience the symptoms of mental illness and it tends to effect women more than men. Depression is one of the most common expressions of mental illness, yet many people do not realize its effects because it affects every individual differently.
Coaches can aid people who are suffering through mental illness to navigate the difficulties that they are facing. Rather then acting as a therapist, the coach is actually taking on a coaching role providing guidance in specific areas. Also, unlike the therapist which sees their patient perhaps weekly, the coach is much more active and hands on, as they are often in contact either in person or by phone.
Coaching mental illness is helpful when dealing with the stress that a spouses’ mental problems are caused to a marriage, and should be included along with regular marriage counseling. By discussing the spouse’s illness with the unaffected spouse, the coach may be able to help the other spouse understand the effects of his or her beloved’s illness. There is a very good chance that a couple that otherwise would be headed for divorce may stay together after such counseling.
Coaching mental illness services need to be given by a qualified person. Sometimes people who are a mental coach have had difficulties themselves. There is a model of treatment that is known as the recovery model. It says that people can recover from mental illness. Persons who have recovered may be best suited to act as a coach because they too have been through some of these situations the person may now be encountering.
When coaching another person there is a delicate line that should not be crossed to maintain a certain perspective. It is imperative that the coach does not become overly involved in a situation so that they can continue to provide support without bias. Coaches should also possess excellent stress management techniques.
One of the most rewarding and challenging jobs can be being a mental illness coach. Discouragement is common, and mental illness coaching can be a great help to these persons. Anyone suffering from mental illness can benefit from hiring a coach. Coaches stay in contact by phone and face-to-face meetings. Marriage coaching is a wise supplement to traditional marriage counseling helping to benefit the chance of the individual’s marriage surviving. It takes a special person to provide services for coaching mental illness, in fact many people who are a mental coach have experienced situations in their own lives that are quite similar.
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About the Author
George Purdy recently published some new articles on mental coaching. He is an established public speaker and writer. You'll find great resources, tips and tricks on mental coaching on site career coaches.
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by: GeorgePurdy
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