Coaching for workplace mental health

Not everyone needs therapy or medication

The bad news concerning global mental health keeps rolling in. Gallup’s 2022 Global Emotions Report (a survey of thousands of adults in 122 countries) confirms that the world has become sadder, more worried, and more stressed than ever before. The ‘Gallup Negative Experience Index’ has pushed to a new high of 33, up from 25 as recently as 2014.

Four in ten adults worldwide said they experienced a lot of worry (42%) or stress (41%). Over one in four experienced sadness (28%), and slightly less experienced anger (23%). Gallup’s data show the pandemic is not entirely to blame for the alarming increase in negative emotions. The world has been on a negative trajectory for a decade.

Traditionally, sufferers of depression, anxiety or severe stress head towards a therapist or doctor’s office for a course of therapy or the prescription of medication to help with their symptoms. For many, however, therapy and medication are undesirable because of the stigma attached, the cost, and the side-effects, among other reasons. The rise of mental health coaching has given sufferers a new and effective option.

What is mental health coaching?

You might already have images of a well-muscled man in an ill-fitting sports vest carrying a whistle. No, not that type of coaching, although there is some overlap in the methods used by mental health coaches and sports coaches. Mental health coaches are trained professionals who help their clients develop greater awareness of themselves and implement effective tools to better manage their lives.

While mental health coaches aren’t therapists, they draw upon principles and practices from research-proven therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and others. Extensive research has verified these techniques as safe and effective for treating conditions like depression and anxiety.

A 2021 study reported on the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural coaching (CBC) program delivered through video. 289 subjects attended an average of 6 CBC sessions each and were assessed using verified measures of stress and wellbeing. 61.9% of participants showed reliable improvement in either measure.

Other research by BetterUp Labs has shown just how effective virtual mental health coaching can be. Rapid improvements in introspective skills, such as self-awareness, came about in 1–3 months. Stress management improved at 3 months and by 6 months participants showed greater resilience and even improvement of all-round life satisfaction.

Because participants had greater self-awareness, they regulated their emotions better, leading to better relationships and connections with those around them. Coachees also had a deeper understanding of their own life purpose. The longer-term impact of coaching led to improved wellbeing, enhanced life satisfaction, and overall greater happiness.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaches and counsellors both focus on helping people and make use of similar interpersonal communication skills. There is significant overlap between the two methods, but also some distinctions.

While counselling concentrates on a person’s past and helps to deal with emotional pain or injury, coaching focuses on the present and the future. By identifying individual goals and planning actionable strategies to achieve them, coaching aims to leverage personal strengths to maximise potential.

Counselling takes a clinical approach to resolve old pain and heal emotional states. Coaching is based on learning and development to help clients in their self-development.

Counsellors train in psychology before attaining expert knowledge in the type of therapy they focus on. Marital counselling, trauma counselling, and addiction counselling are good examples. Coaches are deeply process oriented and can apply these processes to a broad range of problems. They don’t necessarily have any formal training in psychology, but many do.

Unlike therapists, coaches don’t specialise in treating complex clinical problems. Those suffering from clinical depression and anxiety may find value in therapy, but for the large percentage of employees who find themself in the preclinical ‘languishing’ state, coaching can be just the thing to get them thriving. By helping to manage emotions, challenging negative thinking patterns, improving relationship skills, and reducing stress and anxiety, coaches aim to support and improve mental health in their clients.

When is coaching preferable to therapy?

While therapy is a great fit for many people, these factors may point out when coaching is a better fit:

• Treating mental health issues that fit on the milder side of the spectrum. These might include ‘languishing’, stress and overwhelm.
• Group sessions for teams and departments.
• The desire for a shorter-term approach to easing mental health concerns.
• A focus on personal growth and development, including clarification of values, goals, and purpose.
• A need to improve stress management and/or work-life balance.
• The need for a practical and actionable approach.
• Willingness to complete “homework” to work towards overcoming challenges.

Conclusion

Mental health is not binary. The spectrum of mental health issues requires a spectrum of treatment options. While effective and necessary for some, psychotherapy may not be the best behavioural health option for everyone. Mental health coaching is a viable and effective option to improve mental health for individuals and organisations.

Dr Jarrad Van Zuydam
Chief Medical and Innovations Officer