I am a Life Coach certified through the Life Coach School. I was also trained as a School Counseling Psychologist in graduate school. I find it fascinating how closely related life coaching is to counseling and therapy, yet each serves a different part of the human experience and psyche. I’m often asked what the difference is between the two. Listen in as I share with you the primary differences. Let’s connect: https://meaganskidmorecoaching.com.
Hey everyone! Welcome and thanks for being here.
This is the “Beyond the Shadow of Doubt” podcast where I aim to bring the traditionally somewhat taboo topic of doubt and questioning out of the shadows of shame and into the sunlight.
My name is Meagan Skidmore, and I am a Life transitions coach and I work w/ parents of lgtbq+ kiddos of conservative faith background who feel their world has been turned upside down.
If you listened to my first episode you may have heard Siri say in the very beginning, “recording in progress.” I purposely am creating these episodes with minimal pomp and no circumstance. LAUGH OUT LOUD but seriously, I record them and post immediately on purpose. No editing! My hope is that these episodes come across as easily and low key as if we were sitting together chatting as friends over lunch.
In my introductory episode I shared that I am a life coach certified through the life coach school. Having been also trained many moons ago as a School Counselor in grad school, one of the things I found fascinating about life coaching is how closely related counseling and therapy are to life coaching, yet each serves a different part of the human experience and psyche. Life coaching is like a sister to therapy.
I’m often asked what the difference is between the two—. So allow me…
Share experience of Abi breaking her hand.
Between last Christmas and New Years, my family and I took a few days to go a remote state park in OK. There was a beautiful spot for hiking, climbing and enjoying. There was a river running between some pretty giant boulders. As we hiked my oldest was playing leap frog of sorts and in one spot lost her footing and fell. Her right hand was holding her cell phone, and both broke her fall and broke into many pieces.
So the rest of that afternoon was spent finding an urgent care clinic. It ended up being broken and in need of pinning. So there was surgery, which included 2 long metal plates put into two places, physical therapy and weeks where she could lift nothing heavier than a coffee cup, per doctors orders. It was necessary to allow time for the bones to heal properly as well as rebuild movement and strength with the help of a physical therapist. This would not be a good time to be hiring a personal trainer. To do so would go against reason — lifting weights on a broken hand would push her physical capacity unnecessarily and possibly worsen the situation. However once the injury is healed and strengthened through physical therapy then further growth or training can occur.
Similarly therapy work allows one to focus on healing injury often due to past events. Just like the personal trainer in the example is focussed on healing an injury occurring in the past, a therapist can help an individual process pain and emotions, and try to make some kind of sense or peace from past events or “injuries”.
Emotional, physical, sexual and/or spiritual abuse or neglect leave injuries that sometimes remain open wounds for years. A talented therapist can help those open wounds heal. Although they may leave scars, the individual is better able to function. Ie. Their hand can lift weights again, even if lighter. Of course there is never this point of “arrival” where we can say a person is 100% healed from therapy; that is unrealistic. My daughters broken hand changed her and her hand; there will always be a 3 inch scar and metal plates in her hand that set off the security scanners at the airport.
She’s healed AND changed and the same time which is similar to the concept that a person can be healed and changed from therapy.
In contrast, a life coach is more future focused; they are who will help you begin to do the heavier lifting like in the personal trainer analogy, but in this case it is the mental/emotional lifting. This will challenge you but need not overwhelm. A trauma informed coach will help you pace yourself, hold you accountable and most importantly check in with your body. It is okay to slow down or take breaks. Mental workouts take energy just like a physical workout in the gym! It all requires energy which in turn necessitates that one check in with themself, & allow time for self-care and reflection.
As your life coach I help you address things such as appropriate boundaries, discomfort, fears, blame, cognitive dissonance, emotional adulthood, emotional childhood, beliefs and belief systems and many others. I help you see where you have inadvertently let go of your power and then work towards putting yourself back in the drivers seat. I help you move forward in saying/thinking, doing, being what you choose with clarity and compassion—for yourself and others.
If you’re ready for a coaching session, the first one is always complimentary. Bring any concern, problem, struggle, fear or worry. You will walk away with at least one new tool you can implement today. I’ve got you! You can connect with me on FB and IG @meaganskidmorecoaching or my website https://meaganskidmorecoaching.com.
Please feel free to share this podcast with others you feel could benefit from this message.
That’s all I have for today. Until next time.
SUMMARY
I am a Life Coach certified through the Life Coach School. I was also trained as a School Counseling Psychologist in graduate school. I find it fascinating how closely related life coaching is to counseling and therapy, yet each serves a different part of the human experience and psyche. I’m often asked what the difference is between the two. Listen in as I share with you the primary differences. Let’s connect: https://meaganskidmorecoaching.com.