• HUMAN FLOURISHING COACHING
  
  

  Human Flourishing coaching uses research-backed strategies, often from fields like positive psychology and neuroscience, to help individuals and organizations thrive by improving well-being across various domains, such as happiness, health, purpose, virtue, and relationships. This approach goes beyond mere survival or overcoming symptoms to cultivate lasting resilience, meaning, and vitality, empowering people to live more fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. 

   

  Key Aspects of Human Flourishing Coaching

  • Holistic Well-being:

    Coaching focuses on multiple dimensions of a flourishing life, which can include:

    • Happiness and life satisfaction 
       
    • Physical and mental health 
       
    • Meaning and purpose 
       
    • Character and virtue (e.g., gratitude, resilience) 
       
    • Close social relationships and community connection 
       
    • Financial and material stability 
       
  • Science-Informed Approach:

    Coaches draw upon research from various disciplines, including:

    • Positive Psychology: The scientific study of what makes life worth living. 
       
    • Neuroscience: Insights into how the brain supports well-being. 
       
    • Contemplative Studies: Practices like mindfulness and spiritual formation. 
       
  • Skill Development:

    Coaches help clients develop practical skills and habits for lasting change, such as:

    • Cultivating emotional intelligence and awareness 
       
    • Building resilience and coping with adversity 
       
    • Deepening gratitude and connection 
       
    • Establishing healthy relationships 
       
    • Finding deeper meaning and purpose 
       
  • Practical Tools:

    Clients learn to use tools and practices to foster growth, like journaling, mindfulness, and self-reflection. 

     
  • Application:

    Human flourishing coaching can be applied in various settings, from individual life coaching and mental health support to leadership development in organizations and communities. 

     

  In essence, Human Flourishing coaching provides a comprehensive framework and practical tools to help individuals not just survive, but truly thrive in all areas of their lives. 

  Spiritual Warfare Coaching

  Spiritual warfare coaching is a faith-based practice, typically rooted in Christian theology, that equips individuals with biblical principles and strategies to overcome perceived spiritual opposition. It helps people address issues they believe are rooted in spiritual battles rather than being purely psychological or circumstantial. This type of coaching often involves prayer, scripture, and other faith-based disciplines. 

  Core components and practices

  • Identification of spiritual attacks: A spiritual warfare coach helps clients discern whether their struggles—such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship conflicts—may have a spiritual dimension.
  • Application of biblical strategies: Coaches guide clients in using spiritual "weapons" like prayer, scripture meditation, worship, and reliance on the "armor of God" described in Ephesians 6.
  • Recognition of the enemy's tactics: The coaching focuses on identifying the deceptive tactics of the enemy, such as sowing seeds of doubt, division, or distraction.
  • Building spiritual disciplines: Coaches encourage the development of spiritual habits like daily Bible study, prayer, and engagement with a faith community to strengthen spiritual resilience.
  • Deliverance ministry: In some cases, coaching may involve aspects of deliverance, which aims to help individuals break free from spiritual oppression and strongholds. This is often conducted by ministers or trained counselors.
  • Integration with clinical therapy: Some Christian counselors and coaches merge faith-based spiritual warfare principles with clinical, evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address both the spiritual and psychological aspects of a person's struggles. 

  Who is spiritual warfare coaching for?

  This type of coaching is designed for individuals who believe they are experiencing spiritual opposition and want to address their challenges through a faith-based lens. People who may seek this kind of guidance include: 

  • Those dealing with chronic, unexplained physical or emotional issues they believe are linked to spiritual battles.
  • Individuals struggling with addiction or destructive behaviors they see as having spiritual roots.
  • Christians who want to grow in their ability to understand and navigate spiritual warfare. 

  Spiritual warfare coaching vs. spiritual warfare counseling

  While both practices are faith-based, counseling is often performed by a licensed professional who combines biblical principles with clinical therapeutic methods. Coaching focuses more on practical application and moving toward future goals, while counseling may delve deeper into past trauma and psychological aspects. 

  Important considerations: For those dealing with severe mental health issues, it is recommended to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can address both clinical and spiritual needs. Some Christian counseling practices explicitly integrate these dual perspectives. 

   

  Demoniac Attacks vs Mental Illness 

  Mental illness is a medical condition with biopsychosocial causes, while demonic attacks are a spiritual concept involving supernatural beings. Differentiating them involves assessing the root cause: mental illness has a biological basis and responds to medicine and therapy, whereas claims of demonic possession may be accompanied by supernatural phenomena like rational demonic dialogue, claims of extraordinary knowledge, unusual strength, or resistance to Christ, which are not typical of mental illness. Some spiritual traditions also suggest that some conditions may have both spiritual and biological factors, requiring a combination of medical and spiritual interventions.  

   

  Mental Illness

  • Cause:

    Stemming from biological factors like genes and brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma or stress, and other physiological conditions. 

     
  • Symptoms:

    Feelings of sadness, confusion, excessive worry, guilt, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, and problems with sleep or energy. 

     
  • Treatment:

    Responds to treatments such as medication, counseling (therapy), and social support, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

     

  Demonic Attacks/Possession

  • Cause: Viewed within Christian theology as the influence of supernatural beings or a demonic entity. 
     
  • Symptoms: May include rational dialogue from the demon, knowledge unknown to the person, resistance to sacred figures like Christ, unusual displays of strength, and a "spooky" aura not just experienced by the afflicted individual. 
     
  • Treatment: Typically involves spiritual interventions such as prayer and exorcism. 
     

  Key Differentiating Factors

  • Root Cause:

    Medical science identifies biological, psychological, and social factors for mental illness, whereas demonic activity is understood as a spiritual issue. 

     
  • Response to Treatment:

    Mental illnesses improve with medication, while prayer or spiritual intervention is seen as the answer to demonic influence. 

     
  • Speech Patterns:

    Demonic encounters may involve rational, coherent dialogue from the demon, while mental illnesses like schizophrenia can involve nonsensical speech. 

     
  • Behavioral Manifestations:

    Supernatural phenomena such as telepathy, levitation, or unnatural strength are associated with demonic activity, not with mental illness. 

     
  • Spiritual Connection:

    People with mental illness are often religious, but demons actively oppose spiritual beliefs, particularly those centered on Christ. 

     

  The Complexity of the Intersection

  • It is important to consider that a spiritual struggle may coexist with or manifest as a mental health condition. 
     
  • Some experts believe that a demonic influence can create or exacerbate an existing physiological condition. 
     
  • In some cases, the symptoms of a possession state can be attributed to biopsychosocial or culturally defined factors rather than a single cause. 
    • Focus on the future:

      A key difference from counseling is the forward-looking approach. Instead of extensively analyzing past emotions, a coach helps clients create a vision for their future life after the loss. 

       
    • Action-oriented:

      Coaching emphasizes actionable steps. A coach might help you experiment with new paths, develop coping mechanisms, and make commitments to move toward your aspirations. 

       
    • Provides support and tools:

      Coaches offer practical strategies, emotional support, and a safe space to process emotions. They help clients find solace and build the inner fortitude needed to move forward. 

       
    • Empowers client growth:

      The goal is to help clients not just get by, but to thrive. A coach facilitates personal growth by helping you understand your values, motivations, and dreams, and how to achieve them despite your loss. 

       
    • • An individual or family is dealing with an unresolved mental illness, such as major depressive disorder or anxiety.
      • There is a need to address past trauma or deep-seated relational conflicts affecting the family.
      • A mental health diagnosis is needed to get insurance coverage for services.
      • • Peer Support:

          Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and understanding.
        • Lifestyle Interventions:

          Making changes to diet, exercise, and sleep can positively impact mental well-being.
        • Social Support Networks:

          Building and maintaining healthy relationships can provide a crucial buffer against stress and emotional distress.
        • Non-Clinical Training:

          Programs that train individuals in the community to identify and support those experiencing distress can help bridge the gap in mental health services. 

           

          A substitute for therapy:

          Coaching is a distinct practice from therapy; it focuses on achieving present and future goals rather than treating past trauma or complex disorders.

          A specialized form of life coaching that addresses non-clinical mental health issues. It focuses on promoting positive mental health habits and strategies, but does not involve diagnosing or treating mental illnesses. You or a loved one requires healing from emotional pain caused by a mental health condition. 

          Helps reframe the loss:

          Coaching can help you understand the meaning of your loss and find ways to incorporate it into your life story in an empowering way, seeing it as a catalyst for future growth and appreciation. 

           

          
          

          Non-clinical mental health issues encompass a wide range of challenges that impact a person's well-being but don't meet the criteria for a formal mental illness diagnosis. These can include stress, burnout, grief, and other emotional or behavioral difficulties that can be addressed through various support systems and interventions. 

           

          Understanding Non-Clinical Mental Health Issues:

           

          • Stress and Burnout:

            Excessive stress, which can manifest as physical and mental strain, can lead to burnout, impacting a person's ability to cope with daily demands. 

             
          • Grief and Loss:

            The experience of loss, whether from death, relationship breakups, or other significant life changes, can trigger intense emotional responses and require support. 

             
          • Coping Mechanisms:

            Non-clinical mental health issues can also involve unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance use or self-harm, which are often attempts to manage difficult emotions. 

             
          • Social Isolation:

            Feeling disconnected from others and experiencing a lack of social support can significantly impact mental health and well-being. 

             

            Mental Health Coaching:

           

          EXAMPLES OF NON-CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:

           

        DISTINGUISHING NON-CLINICAL FROM CLINICAL:

         

        While non-clinical issues don't always require formal clinical diagnosis and treatment, they can be precursors or symptoms of underlying mental health conditions. For example, excessive worry and anxiety can be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, while prolonged sadness can be a sign of depression. It's important to be aware of these distinctions and seek professional help when needed. 

         

        IN SUMMARY, NON-CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE A BROAD SPECTRUM OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES THAT CAN IMPACT WELL-BEING WITHOUT NECESSARILY MEETING THE CRITERIA FOR A FORMAL MENTAL ILLNESS. ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES THROUGH NON-CLINICAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE OVERALL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE. 
        
        

        Here's a breakdown of the types of problems mental health coaching can help with:

        1. Goal Setting and Personal Development

        • Setting and achieving personal or professional goals: Coaches can help you identify what you want to achieve and create actionable steps to reach those goals, according to Washington Psychological Wellness.
        • Improving self-esteem and self-confidence:Coaches can help individuals recognize their strengths and capabilities, fostering a positive self-image and boosting confidence.
        • Building resilience: Coaching can help you develop the capacity to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to life's challenges.
        • Clarifying values, goals, and life purpose:Coaches provide support in understanding what matters most to you and aligning your actions with your values. 

        2. Managing Stress and Emotions

        • Reducing stress and anxiety: Coaches can teach you techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety effectively.
        • Preventing burnout: Coaches can help individuals develop strategies to avoid and recover from burnout, especially in demanding environments.
        • Managing difficult emotions like anger, sadness, and worry:Coaches can equip you with tools to understand and cope with a wide range of emotions.
        • Improving emotional resilience and coping skills: Coaches help you develop internal strengths and resources to navigate life's ups and downs more effectively. 

        3. Improving Relationships and Communication

        • Enhancing relationship skills: Coaches can help improve communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution in personal and professional relationships.
        • Navigating interpersonal problems: Coaches can offer support and guidance in addressing and resolving difficulties with others. 

        4. Life Transitions and Challenges

        • Coping with life events: Coaches can provide support during significant life changes such as moving, starting a new job, or navigating the end of a relationship.
        • Overcoming feelings of being stuck or indecisiveness:Coaching can help you gain clarity and develop a plan to move forward when facing these challenges.
        • Addressing work-life balance issues: Coaches can help you prioritize and manage responsibilities to achieve a healthier balance between work and personal life. 

        It's important to remember that mental health coaching is not a substitute for therapy or clinical treatment. If you are experiencing severe mental health issues, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance abuse, it is crucial to seek the help of a licensed mental health professional like a therapist or psychiatrist. 

        Mental health coaches are trained to recognize when a client requires a higher level of care and can provide referrals to appropriate professionals

        Following are specialized areas of mental health coaching:

        Youth Mental Health Coaching 

        The role of the Youth Mental Health Coach

        Youth mental health coaches are not licensed mental health care providers. Youth mental health coaches do not work directly with children or adolescents, diagnose, or offer professional care or treatment for mental health difficulties and disorders. Coaches support parents by providing them with psychoeducation and resources to help youth make positive changes that complement professional mental healthcare to manage symptoms, build support for recovery, and work on life goals such as relationships and education. Youth mental health coaching is action-oriented, aimed at providing parents and caregivers with the tools necessary to help with youth’s present life and reach goals for the future.

        Youth mental health coaches use a partnership model wherein the client is considered to be the expert on his or her life, the one who decides what is worth doing, while the coach provides expertise in supporting successful change. Youth mental health coaching focuses on achieving any goals important to the client, not just recovery-related goals. Youth mental health coaching emphasizes honoring values and making principle-based decisions, creating a clear action plan, and using current strengths to reach future goals. The coach provides accountability to help the client stay on track.

        Marriage and Family and Mental Illness Coaching

        Marriage, family, and mental illness coaching refers to specialized coaching or therapy for individuals and families facing relationship challenges or mental health issues, with a focus on achieving specific, attainable goals. While coaches offer tools, motivation, and support, licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals trained and licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions within the context of relationships. When mental illness is a factor, a therapist is recommended, while a coach can assist with life goals and transitions outside of clinical disorders. 

         
        What is Marriage & Family Therapy?
         

        Holistic Approach:

        Therapists look at individuals within their relationship networks, acknowledging how family and marital dynamics impact health. 

         
      •  
        • Focus on Relationships:

          This type of therapy addresses conflicts, communication issues, and stress within couples and families. 

           
        • Diagnosis & Treatment:

          LMFTs are qualified to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, including those affecting families and couples. 

           
        • Solution-Focused:

          Therapy is often brief, solution-focused, and designed to meet specific, attainable goals, with the long-term well-being of the family in mind. 

           
        What is Coaching for these Areas?

         

        • Goal-Oriented Support:

          Coaches help individuals identify goals, find motivation, and develop tools for positive changes in their lives. 

           
        • Focus on Specific Projects or Transitions:

          Coaching can be helpful for navigating career changes, personal development, or life transitions. 

           
        • Limitations:

          Coaches are not trained or licensed to treat clinical mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. 

           
        When to Choose a Therapist vs. a Coach
        • Choose a Marriage and Family Therapist if you:

          • Are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. 
             
          • Need to process past traumas or emotional pain. 
             
          • Are facing significant family dynamics or conflict. 
             
          • Are seeking to address a diagnosed mental health disorder. 
             
        • Choose a Coach if you:

          • Need support to make specific life changes or achieve goals. 
             
          • Want motivation, tools, and inspiration for personal and professional growth. 
             
          • • Systemic perspective: MFTs operate from a systemic perspective, recognizing that a person's mental illness can affect the entire family system.
            • Holistic treatment: Therapy helps family members understand and navigate the complexities of a loved one's mental health issues. It helps all members heal from the trauma and challenges of the illness.
            • Addressing relationship impact: An LMFT can help couples and families work through communication breakdowns, trust issues, and codependent behaviors that may arise from mental illness. Are not experiencing a clinical mental health disorder. 
               

              Mental health needs in a family, especially when a partner has a mental illness, can be addressed by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The terms "coaching," "counseling," and "therapy" are often used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions, particularly regarding training and scope of practice. Mental health coaching specifically aims to help individuals with mental illness achieve personal goals and rebuild relationships. 

               

              The distinctions between therapy and coaching

              Aspect Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)Mental Health CoachingProviderLicensed mental health professional with a master's or doctoral degree in MFT and extensive supervised clinical experience.Often works with certification from various programs; the industry is not regulated by state licensing boards.FocusTreats diagnosable mental and emotional disorders and helps clients resolve past traumas and underlying issues. Views the individual's mental health within the context of their relationships and family dynamics.Concentrates on achieving future-oriented goals and developing strengths. It is not designed to diagnose or treat mental illness.MethodologyUtilizes psychotherapy and clinical techniques to address the root causes of issues.Provides tools and strategies for achieving goals. The coach acts as a guide, helping clients create actionable plans.PurposeTo heal emotional wounds and manage mental health conditions that affect relationships.To provide empowerment and support, helping individuals develop healthy habits and stability.InsuranceOften covered by insurance if a medical diagnosis is involved.Typically paid out-of-pocket, as coaching services are not usually covered by insurance.Ideal for...Individuals and couples dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, or needing to resolve deep-seated conflicts.Individuals or families looking to improve communication and set goals for a healthier future, especially after the diagnosed mental health condition is being managed.

              How therapy and coaching apply to mental illness

              Marriage and Family Therapy with mental illness

            Mental Health Coaching with mental illness

            • Goal-oriented support: A mental health coach can work with a client to establish a recovery plan and find resources. This can be especially helpful once a person has their mental illness under control.
            • Skill-building: Coaches can teach practical skills for managing symptoms, improving self-esteem, and rebuilding relationships.
            • Future focus: While an LMFT addresses the past, a coach focuses on the future, helping clients set and achieve personal and family goals. 

             

            When to seek therapy or coaching

            Choosing the right type of support is crucial for the well-being of the entire family. 

             

            Seek a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist if:

       

      Seek a Mental Health Coach if:

      • The individual's or family's primary mental health issues are being managed, and the focus is on future goals.
      • The goal is to develop specific skills, like communication or conflict resolution.
      • You want proactive support for personal empowerment and goal-setting.
      • You need guidance in rebuilding relationships after a crisis. 

Sobriety Coaching

Trauma Informed Coaching

Trauma-informed coaching is a client-centered approach that integrates an understanding of past trauma's impact on a client's present life and well-being into the coaching process, focusing on empowerment, safety, and resilience rather than trauma treatment. Key principles include creating a safe environment, ensuring consent and choice, promoting awareness of trauma's effects on the body and mind, and knowing when to refer a client to a mental health professional. This method emphasizes the client's inherent strengths and goals, using coaching to foster growth and a fulfilling life beyond the traumatic experience. 

What it is:

• Trauma-Sensitive Approach:

  The coach understands that many people have experienced trauma, which can affect self-esteem, behavior, and quality of life. 

   
• Empowerment and Choice:

  Coaches prioritize the client's agency, giving them control over their process and choices. 

   
• Focus on Strengths:

  It builds on a client's inherent resilience, rather than solely on their deficits, to promote positive growth. 

   
• Safety and Trust:

  A foundational element is establishing a safe, transparent, and non-judgmental coaching environment. 

   
• Body-Mind Connection:

  Recognition that trauma impacts the whole system, including the nervous system and body. 

   

Key elements of a trauma-informed coaching session:

• Establish Trust:

  Creating a safe and supportive coaching environment with clear boundaries and confidentiality. 

   
• Obtain Consent:

  Always asking for the client's permission before exploring topics or questions. 

   
• Promote Psychological Safety:

  Ensuring the client feels comfortable and empowered to be vulnerable. 

   
• Be Attentive:

  Listening attentively to both verbal and nonverbal communication, holding space without judgment. 

   
• Acknowledge Limits:

  Recognizing the coach's role is not to diagnose or treat trauma, but to support clients in their goals. 

   

What it is NOT:

• Therapy or Diagnosis:

  Trauma-informed coaches do not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy for trauma. 

   
• A Replacement for Professional Care:

  When a client's needs exceed the scope of coaching, the coach is trained to refer them to qualified therapists or other professionals. 

   

Benefits:

• Reduces Harm:

  The approach aims to avoid re-traumatizing clients and inflicts no additional harm. 

   
• Builds Resilience:

  Helps clients develop coping mechanisms and build the capacity to overcome adversity. 

   
• Fosters Self-Compassion:

  Encourages clients to move away from shame and toward self-acceptance and self-love. 

   
• A Way of Being:

  It is an ongoing approach or "way of being" for the coach, not just a set of techniques to be applied selectively. 

Emotional Intelligence Coaching

Emotional intelligence (EI) coaching is a part of mental health coaching, as it helps people build skills that are essential for mental well-being, though it is not a substitute for therapy for mental health conditions. It's a specialized form of coaching that focuses on developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills to navigate challenges, improve resilience, and achieve emotional balance. 

How emotional intelligence coaching relates to mental health coaching

• Complementary support: EI coaching can work alongside mental health support, helping individuals develop coping strategies and resilience to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Skill-building focus: EI coaching focuses on building future-oriented competencies like emotional regulation and communication, while therapy may focus more on healing past trauma and underlying issues.
• Holistic wellness: By cultivating emotional intelligence, individuals gain tools to manage their emotions, which can improve their overall mental health and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling life.
• Empowerment: Coaching empowers individuals to prioritize their emotional needs, build self-efficacy, and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and emotional balance. 

When to seek a mental health professional

• While EI coaching can help alleviate symptoms, it is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment.
• If a client suspects a more serious underlying condition, a coach should refer them to a mental health professional for appropriate treatment. 

First some scriptures dealing with grief and the promise for grieving Christians:

Isaiah 53:3-4 (NKJV)

³He is despised and rejected by men,A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted.

John 11:25-26 (NKJV)

²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶“And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NKJV)

¹³But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

⁴“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Stages of Grief 

The most widely known stages of grief, as identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These are not linear steps, but a framework of emotions that people may experience after a loss. 

• • Denial:

    A state of shock and disbelief that helps a person cope with the immediate pain of a loss. This can manifest as a feeling that nothing is real, or acting as if everything is normal. 

     
  • Anger:

    Once the reality of the loss sinks in, anger can surface. It may be directed at oneself, others, a higher power, or the deceased. 

     

• Bargaining:

  This stage involves the need to regain control through "if only" or "what if" statements. People may promise to change their behavior in exchange for the loss being reversed. 

   

• Depression:

  A period of deep sadness and despair as the full weight of the loss is realized. This can include feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation. 

   
• Acceptance:

  This is not about being "okay" with the loss, but rather coming to terms with its reality and finding a way to move forward. It is a stage of learning to live with the new normal.

Grief and Lost Coaching

Grief and loss coaching is a supportive, action-oriented process that helps individuals navigate the challenges of significant loss to find a way forward and rebuild their lives. It differs from therapy by being future-focused, client-driven, and assuming the client is healthy but struggling to move forward. Coaches provide practical tools, structure, and emotional support for various types of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a chronic illness diagnosis. 

How it works

• Focus on the future: Unlike therapy, which often explores past issues, grief coaching focuses on your present state and helps you create a "blueprint" for the future you want to build.
• Action-oriented: Coaches help you set goals and provide a strategic, personalized plan to move from where you are now to where you want to be.
• Practical tools: You can expect to receive emotional support and practical tools to cope with the challenges of grief, such as processing feelings, creating new routines, and developing self-care strategies.
• Non-diagnostic: Coaching does not diagnose mental disorders, but rather provides support and guidance for personal growth and self-management after a loss. 

Types of loss addressed

Grief coaches help with a wide range of losses, including:

• Personal loss: Death of a loved one or pet.
• Relationship loss: Divorce or breakups.
• Professional loss: Job loss, career changes, or retirement.
• Health-related loss: Chronic illness or disability.
• Material loss: Home or financial setbacks.

Key differences from grief therapy

FeatureGrief CoachingGrief TherapyFocusFuture-oriented: "What's next?"Past-oriented: "Why?" and exploring unresolved feelingsApproachAction-focused, client-objective-drivenEmotion-focused, therapist-objective-drivenClient StateAssumes the client is healthy and focused on personal growthTreats and diagnoses mental disordersCommitmentFlexible, can be short-termOften a long-term commitmentRequirementsA desire to help and personal experience can be valuableAdvanced degrees and state licensure are required

Grief and Lost Coaching in the Black Community 

Grief and loss coaching is a supportive, action-oriented process that helps individuals navigate the challenges of significant loss to find a way forward and rebuild their lives. It differs from therapy by being future-focused, client-driven, and assuming the client is healthy but struggling to move forward. Coaches provide practical tools, structure, and emotional support for various types of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a chronic illness diagnosis. 

How it works

• Focus on the future: Unlike therapy, which often explores past issues, grief coaching focuses on your present state and helps you create a "blueprint" for the future you want to build.
• Action-oriented: Coaches help you set goals and provide a strategic, personalized plan to move from where you are now to where you want to be.
• Practical tools: You can expect to receive emotional support and practical tools to cope with the challenges of grief, such as processing feelings, creating new routines, and developing self-care strategies.
• Non-diagnostic: Coaching does not diagnose mental disorders, but rather provides support and guidance for personal growth and self-management after a loss. 

Types of loss addressed

Grief coaches help with a wide range of losses, including:

• Personal loss: Death of a loved one or pet.
• Relationship loss: Divorce or breakups.
• Professional loss: Job loss, career changes, or retirement.
• Health-related loss: Chronic illness or disability.
• Material loss: Home or financial setbacks.

Key differences from grief therapy

FeatureGrief CoachingGrief TherapyFocusFuture-oriented: "What's next?"Past-oriented: "Why?" and exploring unresolved feelingsApproachAction-focused, client-objective-drivenEmotion-focused, therapist-objective-drivenClient StateAssumes the client is healthy and focused on personal growthTreats and diagnoses mental disordersCommitmentFlexible, can be short-termOften a long-term commitmentRequirementsA desire to help and personal experience can be valuableAdvanced degrees and state licensure are required.

Grief and Lost due to mental illness

Living with a spouse who has a mental health condition can bring about unique and profound forms of grief for the partner, often while the spouse is still alive. This experience is often referred to as ambiguous or anticipatory grief, where the partner mourns the loss of the relationship as it was and the future they had planned, even while still fulfilling the role of a loving spouse. 

The nature of grief in the relationship

This type of grief is complex and can manifest in several ways. 

• Loss of the original relationship: A partner may grieve the loss of the person they knew before the mental illness became prominent. The mental health condition can alter the spouse's personality, interests, and emotional availability, creating an emotional distance that can be deeply painful for the partner.
• Loss of shared dreams: The life the couple envisioned together—travel, retirement, or simple future plans—may be compromised or lost entirely. Grieving these lost hopes is a normal and valid part of the process.
• Shifting roles and identity: The partner without a mental illness often assumes a caregiver role, taking on more household, financial, or parenting responsibilities. This change can lead to the loss of their identity as an equal partner and the grief of no longer having a balanced, reciprocal relationship.
• Emotional disconnection and loneliness: The symptoms of a mental illness can make emotional engagement difficult for the affected spouse, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness for the partner. 

Emotional and psychological effects on the partner

The partner's grief can be accompanied by a range of intense emotions. 

• Anger and resentment: A partner may feel angry at the illness, the situation, or even the spouse for their struggles, especially when responsibilities fall unequally.
• Guilt: The partner may feel guilty for feeling frustrated, for needing a break, or for wishing things were different. This guilt can prevent them from acknowledging and addressing their own needs.
• Anxiety and stress: Caring for a spouse with an unpredictable mental illness can be intensely stressful, leading to heightened anxiety and a feeling of walking on eggshells. Spouses of individuals with severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, are at an especially high risk for their own mental health issues.
• Fear: The unaffected partner may fear for their spouse's well-being or worry about the future, especially if the illness is serious. 

How to cope with grief and loss

Navigating this unique form of grief requires active and intentional strategies. 

• Seek personal support. It is vital to find support for yourself, separate from your role as a partner or caregiver. This can include:
  • Individual therapy: A therapist can provide a confidential, non-judgmental space to process your feelings of grief, loss, and resentment.
  • Support groups: Joining a support group like those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can connect you with other people in similar situations. Sharing experiences and learning from others can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your spouse's mental health condition from credible sources. Understanding the illness can help you separate the person from the symptoms, reduce frustration, and avoid personalizing their behavior.
• Practice self-care. Taking care of your own physical and mental health is not selfish; it is essential to prevent caregiver burnout. Make time for hobbies, exercise, proper sleep, and maintain your social connections.
• Communicate openly. Maintain honest and empathetic communication with your spouse. If you need a break or are feeling overwhelmed, talk about it constructively. Avoid placing blame and focus on working together to navigate the challenges.
• Maintain connection outside the illness. Make a conscious effort to focus on aspects of your relationship outside of the mental illness. Continuing shared hobbies and traditions can strengthen your bond and serve as a reminder of your love for each other, even when things are difficult.
• Consider couples counseling. A professional counselor can help you and your spouse improve communication, set boundaries, and address relationship issues in a healthy, neutral space. 

Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):Offers support groups and educational resources for families and partners of individuals with mental health conditions.
• Mental Health America: Provides resources and information on grief, mental health conditions, and how to find support.
• Family Caregiver Alliance: Specializes in supporting family caregivers and provides resources for dealing with burnout and emotional stress. 

Grief and Lost due to Violence 

Grief from violence can be overwhelming and may involve not just the loss of a person, but also the loss of safety, trust, and control, leading to shock, fear, anger, and numbness. To cope, it is helpful to process these feelings by talking to trusted individuals, engaging in self-care like exercise and journaling, and finding ways to honor the deceased, while seeking professional support if the grief becomes complicated or persistent. 

Emotional and mental reactions

• Shock and numbness: It is common to feel numb or unable to feel emotions, and to struggle with disbelief about what happened.
• Fear and anxiety: You may experience fear, anxiety, or have trouble trusting others and feeling safe.
• Anger: Intense rage toward the perpetrator or a general sense of anger is a very common reaction.
• Difficulty concentrating: It may be hard to focus, concentrate on work, or even stop thinking about the traumatic event.
• Disorientation: The event may shake your sense of normalcy, and you may grieve the loss of what life was like before. 

Physical reactions

• Crying: You may cry frequently or have difficulty stopping.
• Physical symptoms: You might experience physical reactions like an upset stomach, trembling, or a pounding heart.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired or having trouble sleeping and experiencing nightmares can occur. 

Coping with grief after violence

• Seek safety: Prioritize feeling safe and comfortable before you begin to process your grief.
• Talk to others: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or other survivors to help ease the burden. It can be helpful to connect with people who have similar experiences, such as other survivors of community violence.
• Maintain routines: Stay connected to your daily routines like exercising, eating healthy meals, and doing things you used to enjoy, even if you don't feel like it at first.
• Process your feelings: Give yourself permission to feel sad and cry, but also allow yourself to feel moments of joy. Journaling or creating a peaceful space for yourself can help process your emotions.
• Honor your loved one: Create rituals or ceremonies to remember and honor the person you lost, such as building a memorial or holding a vigil.

Seek professional help: If you are struggling to cope, it is important to consider talking with a doctor or a counselor who specializes in grief, trauma, or victims' services. 

Mental Health Coach responsibilities in suicides

A board-certified mental coach has a critical and distinct role regarding suicide: they are trained to recognize warning signs, provide immediate support, and refer the individual to a licensed mental health professional. A mental coach cannot, and should not, treat or diagnose suicidal ideation, which falls outside their scope of practice. 

Role of a mental coach in relation to suicide

• Identification of risk: A mental coach is trained to spot potential indicators of suicide risk, including direct statements about suicide, feelings of hopelessness, severe emotional distress, or significant changes in behavior.
• Crisis intervention: If a client discloses suicidal thoughts, a mental coach's primary role is not to provide therapy, but to follow emergency protocols. This involves helping the person feel heard and safe while a referral to a crisis hotline or professional is made. Some programs, like Advanced Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSIST), give coaches a framework for keeping at-risk individuals safe in the moment.
• Immediate referral: The coach must immediately refer a client with suicidal ideation to a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. A licensed professional is qualified to conduct a proper suicide risk assessment and provide clinical treatment.
• Reinforcing recovery: For a client receiving clinical treatment for suicidal ideation, a mental coach can work alongside the licensed professional. They can offer ongoing support to help the client practice and apply coping strategies learned in therapy and build resilience during the recovery phase.
• Education and prevention: Coaches play a vital role in suicide prevention through awareness and education. By destigmatizing mental health and encouraging open discussion, they help create a supportive environment. Training programs also help them recognize the warning signs of suicide and understand the importance of early intervention. 

Suicide Prevention Coaching

Suicide prevention coaching is a specialized form of coaching that equips individuals, often in non-clinical roles (e.g., managers, teachers, peer supporters, community members), with the skills to recognize warning signs of suicide, offer initial support, and refer individuals at risk to appropriate professional care and resources. 

Key Aspects

• Focus: It is a proactive, preventative approach focused on providing immediate support and connecting individuals in crisis with professional help. It emphasizes building resilience, enhancing coping skills, and promoting overall mental well-being to prevent issues from escalating to a crisis point.
• Role of the "Coach": Individuals trained in suicide prevention (often called "gatekeepers") are not typically licensed mental health professionals, but rather people strategically positioned in the community or workplace to spot and help those at risk. They act as a bridge to formal mental health services.
• Methodology: Training programs, such as Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), teach evidence-based techniques like:
  • Questioning a person about their feelings and intentions in a compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental way.
  • Persuading them to seek help and stay safe.
  • Referring them to appropriate support services, such as mental health professionals, crisis hotlines (like 988), or emergency medical centers.
• Scope: Unlike therapy or counseling, which involve diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, coaching does not aim to provide clinical treatment or delve into deep-rooted trauma. A suicide prevention coach works within their scope of practice and knows when to refer a client to a licensed professional for clinical assessment and care.
• Goals: The primary goal is to interrupt the immediate crisis, ensure safety through measures like safety planning and reducing access to lethal means, and facilitate a smooth transition to ongoing professional care and support. 

In essence, suicide prevention coaching is about empowering the general public and non-clinical professionals with the practical skills to intervene effectively during a mental health crisis and help save a life. 

Tools to use in these programs: emotion intelligences, SMART goals, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, solution focused, person-centered, cognitive behavioral psychology, dialectics behavioral therapy, Myer Briggs assessment, Active Listening, business coaching