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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, Liz Fernandez addresses a crucial question for therapists considering coaching: “Are there ethical concerns with coaching?” Many therapists worry about blurring the lines between therapy and coaching, potentially facing ethical or even legal issues. Liz breaks down how these fears often stem from a lack of understanding of the differences between the two roles and emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations.

Liz explains that therapy and coaching are distinct yet complementary services. Therapy focuses on healing and processing past experiences, while coaching is future-oriented, emphasizing goal setting and personal transformation. She provides practical advice on how to maintain ethical clarity, including using solution-focused approaches and leveraging transferable skills like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral techniques in coaching. Additionally, Liz offers actionable steps to create a clear comparison document and establish separate contracts to ensure transparency and protect your practice.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about navigating the ethical boundaries between therapy and coaching, this episode will provide the reassurance and guidance you need to feel confident in offering both services.

Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction & Free Webinar Reminder
01:48 - The Ethical Concerns Therapists Have About Coaching
02:41 - Understanding the Differences Between Coaching and Therapy
04:17 - How to Use Solution-Focused Approaches in Coaching
06:46 - Actionable Steps for Maintaining Ethical Clarity
09:06 - Invitation to Join the Therapist to Coach Collective & Wrap-Up

Key Takeaways:

• Therapy vs. Coaching: Therapy focuses on processing the past, while coaching is about future goals and solutions. Understanding these differences helps set ethical boundaries.
• Practical Skills Transfer: Techniques like motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and positive psychology are easily adaptable to coaching.
• Action Steps for Clarity: Create a comparison document outlining the scope of therapy and coaching, and use separate contracts to protect yourself legally and ethically.

Category:
Therapist to Coach, Ethical Considerations, Business Boundaries, Coaching Strategies

Keywords:
Therapy vs. coaching ethics, therapist coaching boundaries, coaching business legality, ethical coaching practices, solution-focused coaching, Therapist to Coach Collective, starting a coaching business

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