The role of life coaching in helping anxiety suffers live more authentically
Recent studies have introduced the concept that anxiety is reduced when patients live a more authentic, mindful, value-centered life. To identify one’s personal values and then live in a way that is aligned to these values is a complicated process, particularly when suffering from anxiety. The process of identifying values, then making changes to one’s life to bring more alignment with those values is a key outcome of life coaching. For those suffering with anxiety disorders, employing a life coach to help them live more authentically may be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional therapies.
A skilled life coach can apply proven coaching tools and techniques to help guide clients through the process of identifying their own personal values and support them as they apply these to their day-to-day life. The coaching process itself is an exercise in mindfulness, in which the coach remains non-judgmental, listens actively, and uses powerful questioning techniques to help the client explore their own experiences to make changes to their lives. Figure 1 below outlines what a coaching process for a client with anxiety disorder might involve over a series of weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Figure 1 – The Coaching Process for a Client with Anxiety Disorder
There is currently a plethora of self-help books available to people suffering from anxiety, and there is some evidence to support their effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders (Orsillo, Roemer, 2011). Many of these books suggest specific exercises which encourage recording and raising awareness of thoughts and feelings. A coach could be a useful partner in supporting this kind of awareness raising, helping the client to reflect and make sense of the results of these exercises and supporting them in applying the principles discussed within them.
There is currently little empirical research on the effectiveness of life coaching; however, Grant (2003) published exploratory research that established a clear link between life coaching and reduction in stress and anxiety. A significant decrease was found in the research subjects studied, which exceeded previous results in studying the impact of CBT.
The life coaching program appeared to enhance quality of life and mental health, even though the enhancement of mental health and life quality were not specifically targeted in the life coaching program, (Grant, 2003, p. 260).
A key role of a life coach is to motivate, energize, and help people move forward when they are feeling stuck in their lives. Anxiety sufferers often need this kind of support to help them make lasting changes. A skilled life coach can bring significant benefits to many people with anxiety disorders, without the side effects or expense of traditional treatments. Anthony Grant writes,
coaching is a useful means of furthering our understanding of the socio-cognitive and meta-cognitive factors involved in purposeful behavior change as people move through the self-regulatory cycle, (Grant, 2003, p. 255).
Life coaching may be a more effective way of helping anxiety sufferers live more authentically and mindfully by
(1) helping to identify their values,
(2) assessing and amending their lifestyles in relation to their values, and
(3) supporting them through making changes to live more authentically and mindfully, thus reducing their stress and anxiety levels.
This method of personal development may also be more effective in the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.
Figure 2 below outlines the steps a coach can take to help a client develop new habits and learn self-regulatory skills that will help them achieve more authentic, mindful lives (Grant, 2003, p. 255).
