“I’m the team therapist.”

It’s a tough-in-cheek statement I’ve heard many times.

Leadership involves helping people through emotional moments.

You might feel like a therapist.

It’s an easy mistake to make.

Therapists and coaches look similar.

They are both skilled in asking and listening without judgment.

But it’s dangerous to ignore the differences.

It can be deadly.

The differences are best explained with a metaphor.

Driving a car. 🚘

Coaching tends to be focused mostly on the windscreen. Looking ahead to the future. Exploring goals and obstacles along the way.

Coach-like leaders typically have these kinds of conversations:

• Career development
• Skill improvement
• Confidence building

Therapy tends to be focused mostly on the rearview mirror. What is the backstory and how is it influencing health and well-being. The backstory can often involve deep trauma.

Therapists typically have these kinds of conversations:

• I’m anxious
• I’m depressed
• I’m crippled by fear

Therapists are trained in conversations that explore this trauma. They tend to diagnose and treat from a healthcare perspective. It requires skill and clear boundaries.

The big danger.

Leaders attempt to explore this trauma. It is potentially damaging for everyone involved.

The challenge.

One in eight adults will receive mental health treatment.

It’s likely that someone on your team may need your help.

Instead of playing the role of therapist, leaders can do this:

1. Learn more about the differences between coaching and therapy. Follow Ted Bradshaw on LinkedIn.
2. Complete a mental health first-aid course, to become more aware of the signs and how to help when someone is in crisis.
3. Educate yourself on company assistance programs. Many companies provide access to professional services. Share these with your team and reduce the stigma that might be associated with them.

Be a coach, not a therapist.