Difference Between Parent Coach and Individual Therapist

When I ask parents if they are working with a Parent Coach, and their response is “I’ve got my own therapist” I have to stop myself from immediately laughing. Not because they couldn’t be a potentially solid resource, just that most families don’t realize they are not the same thing. Are their therapists that work in coaching roles, absolutely. Are they trained in parent coaching though? Not necessarily. And if it is a coach that is clinically trained, that doesn’t mean they’re offering therapy. There is a significant difference in “seeing your own individual therapist” or asking your own therapist for parent coaching guidance, and “working with a trained parent coach.”

Let’s break it down.

If you’ve been recommended to work with a parent coach, take the recommendation seriously. It’s coming from a place of expertise and understanding that this professional resource may be beneficial in helping you in your current situation. No, this is also not the same thing as recommending a Family Therapist. Parent Coaches can have their own education, training, and sub-expertise. Make sure you’re interviewing them to determine who is best for you based on your personality, availability, and the situation with your young adult.

What I personally love about collaborating with Parent Coaches is that sometimes with their work, I never end up working with the young adult in the family. Through coaching alone, the parents have shifted, provided scaffolding for the young adult to launch, and they’re on their way to launching. If for some reason though the parents have shifted and with scaffolding the young adult is struggling, this is where I can step in to help. I work directly with the young adult to help them get connected to the right coaches, therapists, or resources that would help them take steps forward in their life.

For questions or comments contact Joanna.