Authenticity (1868)
“There is nothing that makes me prouder than to be regarded by intelligent people as ‘authentic.’ A name I have coveted so long – & secured at last! I don’t care anything about being humorous, or poetical, or eloquent, or anything of that kind – the end & aim of my ambition is to be authentic – is to be considered authentic.” – Mark Twain
Principle Practioner
I am a trained Relationships And Life Skills Practitioner-Coach. (Some of you may know me as a Counsellor, Therapist or Psychotherapist). To others I may be a Life Coach or Personal Coach. My therapeutic orientation and practice is eclectic and integrative, utilizing many theoretical approaches including narrative, solution oriented, possibility, humanistic and positive psychology.
I have completed additional training in relationship counselling i.e. Masters in Clinical Counselling (Hons) with an emphasis on couple, family, and individual psychotherapy. The focus in joint work with clients is one of client self determination, empowerment, and (the client) taking action toward the creation and realization of their visions, goals and desires.
As a Trainer in Adult Education, it continues to be my pleasure to be involved in and run community information, and adult education/training workshops on a regular basis.
What is a Therapist? What What is a Life Coach?
Many of the skills are interchangeable between the two disciplines. Approaches may be slightly different, however they often overlap. This is particularly true of therapists or counsellors whose orientations include…solution focused, narrative, humanistic and client centred paradigms. Most therapists/coaches are generally “people persons” i.e. they like people, relate well, and want clients to lead more fulfilling lives. Both disciplines look for client generated solutions/possibilities, moving the client from mediocrity to excellence in living their life to the fullest.
Note:
- Coaching works with individuals who are already functioning adequately and moving (through coaching) to a higher level of functioning.
- Coaching is flexible and not restricted to the rooms of the practitioner.
- Both psychotherapy/counselling and coaching adhere to a strict code of professional ethics and confidentiality.
- In Coaching, clients direct the life coaching agenda, whereas in Therapy the issues may be more complex e.g. child abuse, mental health, violence, family of origin factors, life skills/parenting deficits, trauma etc. requiring specific therapeutic applications and interventions. Psychotherapy / counselling now goes beyond the therapist's room with various options available to support clients.
