🙍♀️ 🏠 Did you know? While therapy has existed for centuries, coaching has only gained traction in recent decades—transforming how we support young people. But what’s the difference, and how do we choose what’s best for our children?
When kids face challenges—academic stress, friendship struggles, or emotional hurdles—parents, educators and caregivers often rush to "fix the problem". Instead, pause and ask, "What’s the best way to help them thrive?"
Coaching and therapy serve different roles in a child's development, but both can be life-changing when used in the right context.
🧠 Therapy: Therapy is the go-to for addressing deep emotional or mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. It focuses on healing, helping individuals understand their past and develop coping strategies to improve mental health and daily functioning.
👉 Fun Fact: Sigmund Freud, the "father of psychoanalysis," initially worked with adults only. It wasn’t until later in the 20th century that child therapy became a recognised field!
🚀 Coaching: Coaching acts as a compass, helping kids move forward by acknowledging their journey and equipping them with practical tools and a growth-focused mindset. Coaching psychology goes further, using evidence-based techniques to empower children to take charge of their development, building autonomy, resilience, and self-efficacy.
👉 Fun Fact: Though newer than therapy, studies show that coaching psychology enhances self-awareness, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence, fostering mentally strong, motivated, and optimistic kids and adults.
So, which approach should you choose? 🧐
💡 When to Consider Coaching Psychology:
- If a child is struggling with feeling different (neurodivergent, self-image, identity), lacking direction, motivation or self-confidence and needs practical, action-oriented guidance on how to manage everyday challenges, such as social interactions, conflicts, or emotional anxieties, and meeting their basic psychological needs.
💡When to Consider Therapy:
-If a child is dealing with deep-rooted anxiety, depression, or trauma and when their day-to-day functioning is impacted by overwhelming feelings or destructive behaviours.
💡Bonus Insight: Did you know coaching and therapy can work together? A child might see a therapist for trauma and a coach to boost confidence and skills in areas like communication and decision-making. It's about giving the right support at the right time.
📊 Fun Fact: Research shows that kids who build resilience early are 80% more likely to overcome future challenges. Coaching and therapy both play vital roles in fostering this resilience.
💬 Join the Conversation: Have you tried coaching or therapy for a child? Share your experiences and how you've seen young people thrive with the right support below, and look out for our free events.
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