The past few years have left their mark on our mental health. No wonder, because nobody is happy when dealing with a pandemic, high inflation rates or a war. According to the Emperor Family Foundation, 40% of adults in the USA suffered from symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. This is about 30% more than was reported before the pandemic.
This literally screams for therapy! Unfortunately, this is not a solution that many would consider. There are several reasons for this. One of the reasons is the lack of qualified therapists who can help people with their problems. In addition, there is the fact that many cannot afford a therapist, although it is an investment in their mental health.
That is why coaching seems to be a more attractive alternative for some. Coaching is an excellent variant for mild symptoms of mental illnesses, so that therapists can take care of serious problems in the field of mental health. In terms of price, coaches are also more accessible than therapists and can also start doing their sessions earlier.
The fact that it is a less stigmatized form of treatment and prevention of some mental health problems also speaks for coaching. Because of this whole stigmatization, many avoid therapy, even if a therapist would be available for them.
The latest research also speaks for coaching. The team behind Modern Health found promising results. According to a study published in the “Journal of Technology of Behavioral Science”, 58% people who started coaching felt less depression symptoms after at least one session. Their general well -being rose by 76%.
That is based on other previous studies that have proven that several sessions lead to even a better result. In this study it was also found that the therapeutic alliance between clients and their coaches in the context of a virtual individual care was as strong as between clients and their therapists.
So one can conclude that coaching can be compared to traditional therapy based on the patient relationship and the results.
Source:
Sagui-Henson, S. J., Welcome Chamberlain, C.E., Smith, B. J., Li, E. J., Castro Sweet, C., & Altman, M. (in press). Understanding Components of Therapeutic Alliance and Well-Ebeng from use of a global digitally mental health benefit during the covid-19 pandemic: longitudinal observational study. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science.
