As you might’ve learned in our previous blog post, parents choose to invest in coaching support for multiple reasons. If you’re trying to decide between hiring a coach or finding a therapist, keep reading to learn the difference! 

A parent coach will generally hold qualifications such as - Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). As trained professionals, they understand family challenges and are ready to help with zero judgment.

Using proven tools and strategies, a coach can boost parent confidence, improve family communication, and more.

A psychotherapist, conversely, treats complex mental health issues and can specialize in a variety of modalities. In therapy, you’ll focus on treating an illness and often working through past trauma. 

Comparatively, coaching is a more goal-focused, future-oriented practice. 

There is no “one” governing body for parent coaches, and they’re able to enroll in a variety of expert training courses based on their specialty. A therapist will need state-specific licensing and an advanced degree to begin taking clients. 

Before starting your search, have a clear understanding of your goals and expectations of a coach or therapist. Compare what you need to what each party has to offer. 

When selecting a coach, take the time to ask about their experience and qualifications, and conduct your own research. Asking plenty of questions will help you make the best choice! 

Also, don’t be afraid to interview multiple candidates.

Examples of Needing Therapy Instead of Coaching:

The examples below require a different level of care that coaching does not cover.

Once safety has been restored, parent coaching is a great next-step or after-care option in these situations. 

• The parent is facing active addiction issues

• The parent is facing a critical mental health crisis

• The family is dealing with domestic violence or sexual abuse

Examples of When a Parent Coach Can Help:

With a hands-on and often intervention-style approach, a parent coach can help solve overwhelming family issues. If you’re feeling lost or completely burnt out by your situation, it may be time to enlist help.

• Parent(s) in addiction recovery

• Establishing new healthy routines recommended by other health professionals 

• Children with behavioral issues

• Children with learning, eating, or neurodevelopment disorders

• First-time parents

• Divorced families

• Trauma survivor

• Reactive attachment disorder

• Oppositional defiant disorder

• Issues with common routines like (bedtime, hygiene, transitions)

How to Make Parent Coaching Sessions Successful:

Wondering how to get the most from your session with a coach?

• Be ready to practice what you learn.

• Try to be patient with yourself and your family, as progress takes time.

• Understand there is no shame involved.

• Practice being self-aware as often as you can.

Get Started With New Habits Consulting:

For parents who’re ready to recruit extra support and guidance, we’re here for you. 

NHC offers private, one-on-one coaching services and online courses (both live and on-demand). 

We’re flexible to fit your needs and excited to share our tested techniques for solving even the toughest parenting roadblocks. 

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with us to see if we’re the right fit for you.

We hope this post answered your parent coaching questions - visit our blog to read more!