Coaching Tip: Therapeutic Referrals
Category: Coaching Secrets (CS412)Originally Submitted on 6/24/2002.
Introduction
Not every client who appears to be stuck needs therapy, but occasionally one does.
The Coaching Tip
A previous Coaching Tip mentioned that coaches occasionally need to refer clients to therapy. It resulted in several questions that are often asked by coaches with little experience in the mental health field. How can a coach without such experience know when to refer a client for therapeutic evaluation?There may be as many different opinions on this as there are coaches, but there are some clues. I should add that there are many coaches who do also have full training and licensure in mental health treatment, and this Coaching Tip is not intended to apply to them, but to those who do not.
Not every client who appears to be stuck needs therapy, but occasionally we may all encounter one who does. At such times we need to remember that for an untrained person to try to work with a client on therapeutic issues is not only unethical, it is also illegal.
If a client appears to be stuck due to issues that continually hark back to the past, to traumatic events or to early relationship issues, it may be wise to make a referral. Remember that a referral for evaluation is NOT a diagnosis that the client needs therapy; in fact it is important that an untrained person not try to make a diagnosis. By making such a referral, all you are doing is suggesting that the client talk with a person who IS qualified to decide whether they are or are not in need of therapy.
On the other hand, if a client appears to be stuck due to lack of motivation, or to truly difficult circumstances, then such a referral may not be needed. In such situations, the coach may choose to discuss with his/her own coach how best to move forward for the best benefit of the client, or consider whether a referral to another coach might be beneficial. We cannot all be the best coach for everyone, and to admit this is not weakness but strength.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Diana Robinson, PhD., PCC, Personal Effectiveness Coach, who can be reached at Diana@ChoiceCoach.com, or visited on the web. Diana Robinson wants you to know: I hope you will accept my offer of a free half-hour coaching call and/or free e-zines. Perhaps that half-hour may lead to something useful, or even valuable, for you. Please visit me at www.ChoiceCoach.com.
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