Spiritual Coach an alternative to traditional therapists.

When is it appropriate to utilize a Spiritual Coach versus a traditional counselor? Frankly, what is the difference?

To start a Spiritual Coach can be defined as an individual who works within a particular framework to assist an individual overcome difficulties that prohibit them from leading a full life.

A situation develops in that a PSYCHOTHERAPIST, as defined by Wikipedia is one who aids a client in problems of living. It aims to increase the individual's sense of well-being and reduce their subjective sense of discomfort. They employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change and that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists.

Notice the similarity? Both aid their clients in "increasing" their sense of well-being. How is an individual to choose between the two?

True, there are times that a psychotherapist is more appropriate than a spiritual coach as they are not a replacement for appropriate psychological counseling.

However, when appropriate, a coach can accomplish the same benefit as a psychologist. They use similar techniques including, Cognitive Behavior therapy, experiential relationship building, family therapy, and much more. So, this begs the question, what is the difference?

He/She utilizes techniques, and validates and works within the clients particular non-secular framework. This begins to sound more like a member of the clergy. In fact, the spiritual coach, can with appropriate training, actually become a spiritual counselor, or minister. Most ministers, have received some training in the particular nuances of their particular religious or spiritual path as it relates to the overall well being of their clients.

A LICENSED coach, goes through the same training that many ministers do to be able to hang out their shingle. Many organizations offer Spiritual Coaching licensing.

One important difference appears between them. They are trained to FACILITATE the growth of the individual within the CLIENT's particular framework. Where a psychologist may negate religion or spirituality, the coach will work within that framework.

In my own practice I have worked with Christians, Hindus, Jews, Wiccans, Heathens, and even athiests, (or so they thought at first). There are several things to remember when deciding to contact a Coach.

First, is your difficulty based on a "Crisis in Faith". If it is, then this is the best choice. Search out a coach who has a broad understanding of the "truths" of various paths and agrees that they are all valid. It the individual you are working with has a proclivity to demonstrate that their particular path is better than the others, then you had best have the same viewpoint or you are preparing for a disaster.

Second, is your difficulty based upon a relationship issue that you just can't seem to get past? Are you repeating mistakes even though you have spent time and money on techniques and therapies that do not seem to cut to the chase of the issue?

Third, is the difficulty based upon a feeling of "karma" or past life issue that you just can not seem to get over?

All of these show that the Spiritual Coach is best for you. they use a variety of techniques akin to the Shaman that will facilitate your growth.

Soul Retrieval, Soul Clearing, past life regression, re-birthing, chakra clearing, drumming, are just a few techniques that a spiritual coach will use to assist a client.