Navigating Counselling and Coaching

I love both counselling and coaching. They have many similarities but a few profound differences. I try to explore the nuanced terrain of coaching and counselling. I started my journey with coaching aspirations, evolved into a collaborative exploration, and now seamlessly integrates both roles to provide support and empowerment.

The Coach's Beginning

In the early stages of my professional journey, I embraced the role of a coach—an encourager armed with strategies to propel individuals toward their goals. The emphasis was on achievement, and the mantra echoed, "You can achieve anything!". And they did!

The Counselling Transition

As I ventured into counselling, the approach shifted. Here, the client took the lead as the expert navigating the intricacies of their own life. Counselling became a collaborative exploration, where the focus was on understanding rather than prescribing solutions.

Coach's Perspective: "Here's the roadmap to success!"

Counsellor’s Approach: "Let's explore your story together. You're the expert."

At times the coach in me will want to provide advice but the goal is to be the guide for your client. The difference I provide as a counsellor is that I can guide my clients to self-discovery and realisation but have a gift of building their self-esteem and confidence in the process.  

Embracing Dual Roles

Now, as a dual-role practitioner, I find joy in bringing together coaching and counselling. The dual roles share a common theme—the sincere desire to help individuals unfold their potential.

In conclusion, the journey through coaching and counselling is an ongoing learning experience, each contributing to helping individuals. Here's to embracing the dual roles, finding the sweet spot between guidance and collaboration, and supporting others in their unique journeys of self-discovery.

"The Peel": Unwrapping the Orange

So, why did I choose to name of the blog to be "The Peel"? The metaphor of peeling an orange perfectly encapsulates our philosophy. In every coaching and counselling session, I see myself as guiding clients through the layers of their lives, peeling away the obstacles and revealing the vibrant potential within. It's about unwrapping the layers to discover the true essence of each individual.

Embarking on the path of counselling is akin to peeling back the layers of an intricate and multi-faceted existence. Much like an onion or the segments of an orange, the process reveals hidden aspects, vulnerabilities, and, ultimately, the vibrant core of one's being.

Most of us, like the orange, have an outer wall. A firm surface that protect us from out side elements. The job of the layer is to keep the sensitive insides safe. As counselling progresses, we delve into the juicy pulp—the core issues that form the essence of who we are. This may involve exploring past traumas, unresolved conflicts, or deeply ingrained beliefs. Just as the pulp holds the essence of the fruit, these core issues shape our thoughts, behaviours, and perspectives.

Counselling is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and healing. The metaphor of peeling layers reminds us that self-discovery is continuous, and each layer holds the potential for new insights and revelations.

Obviously as this post would suggest The Peel is a philosophical spot but also one of levity.