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
Step 1 - Identify
- Help the client to visualize a more fulfilling life, free of fear and anxiety.
- Identify personal core values through specific coaching exercises, assessments, techniques, etc.
- Set specific goals for changes in behaviors, thoughts, or habits
Step 2 - Bring Awareness
- Plan actions to take to change behaviors and thoughts to bring about more alignment with values
- Raise awareness to the client of unhelpful thought patterns and limiting self-beliefs, and challenge the client when values are not being lived
Step 3 - Support
- Support the client as they take the steps to change, giving encouragement as necessary
- Keep the client motivated to change by reminding the client of their goals and vision to live a life free of anxiety.
Step 4 - Celebrate
- Celebrate the client's success with them as they make changes and break free of anxiety and begin to live a more authentic, mindful life.
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).
Figure 2: Steps a coach will take to help a client work through to develop new habits and skills
- Set a Goal
- Develop An Action Plan
- Act
- Monitor (self regulate)
- Evaluate (Insight)
- Change what 's not working
- Success!
Conclusion
As an intervention, life coaching can be an effective alternative treatment for anxiety, helping people live more authentic lives, becoming more in tune with their personal values, and living more purposeful, fulfilling lives free of the debilitating effects of anxiety. Having a life coach to support those suffering with anxiety through the process of learning to live more mindfully and authentically is a good option for those patients who are adverse to psychological interventions or drug therapies, and can be effectively integrated into these more traditional treatments if required. More empirical research is required to determine the effectiveness of life coaching compared to CBT and drug treatments, but exploratory research to date shows life coaching to have a significant, positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety—two major contributors to anxiety disorders.
References
Andrews, G., Sanderson, K., Slade, T., Issakidis, C. (2000). Why does the burden of disease persist? Relating the burden of anxiety and depression to effectiveness of treatment. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 78(4), 446-454.
Bourne, E. J. (2010). The anxiety and phobia workbook, 5th ed., Oakland, CA: New Harbringer Publications. (Original work published 1989.)
Grant, A. (2003). The impact of life coaching on goal attainment, metacognition and mental health. Social Behaviour and Personality, 31(3), 253-264.
Hsu, L. (Feb 2006). Prevalence and incidence studies of anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the literature. Can J Psychiatry, 51(2), 100–113.
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Walters, E.E. (June 2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-27.
Orsillo, S. M., & Roemer, L. (2010). The mindful way through anxiety: Break free from chronic worry and reclaim your life. New York: Guildford Press.