There are overlaps between coaching and psychotherapy, but there are also some key differences.
Coaching and psychological counselling are not protected designations and activities. In theory, anyone can offer them. You can learn more here about cbt for health anxiety.
In the case of psychotherapy, there are clear legal regulations as to who is allowed to offer this and who is not. A medical license is required. This can be granted to physicians and psychological psychotherapists with the approbation. In addition, according to the Heilpraktikergesetz (HPG), people can also be granted permission to practice medicine professionally without an appointment (approbation). These non-medical practitioners or non-medical practitioners restricted to the field of psychotherapy are allowed to treat mental illnesses. Anyone who does not comply with these regulations can be punished according to the Criminal Code (StGB).
A state permit is therefore required for psychotherapy, as a specialist (e.g. psychiatrist), as a medical psychotherapist, psychological psychotherapist, non-medical practitioner or non-medical practitioner for psychotherapy.
In coaching or in psychological counselling, no topics may be dealt with that belong to the clinical area and are described in the International Classification of Mental Disorders ICD-10, Chapter V (F) . With these disorders, the suffering of those affected is so great that their lifestyle is restricted, they are depressed, develop fears, neglect their social contacts and withdraw. You can only influence their behaviour and thinking with difficulty.
Certain disorders and diseases may only be treated by medical specialists, such as psychiatrists and neurologists. These include organic, ie physically based illnesses and behavioural disorders caused by psychotropic substances. These are described in chapters F0 and F1 of the ICD-10. Diseases that occur as a result of a disturbance in the neurotransmitter balance at the synaptic cleft in the brain (schizophrenia, schizotypes, delusional disorders and affective disorders such as depression, mania and bipolar disorders) in Chapters F2 and F3 may only be treated by specialists.
Psychological psychotherapists, child and adolescent psychotherapists, non-medical practitioners and non-medical practitioners restricted to the field of psychotherapy may treat neurotic disorders, stress disorders, somatoform disorders (Chapter F4), behavioural problems with physical disorders or factors (F5), personality disorders and behavioural disorders (F6), developmental disorders ( F7) and behavioural and emotional disorders with onset in childhood and adolescence (F9). Affective disorders such as depression may also be treated at the same time.
If there is a mental illness that is diagnosed according to the ICD-10, therapy and not coaching should be used.
Coaching is used in the context of coping with questions of coping with life. For example, when preparing for an exam, preparing for a public appearance, or a speech in front of an audience. Therapy is induced (applied) for exam anxiety, fear of other people through to social phobia with avoidance behaviour or when the fear expands into a generalized anxiety disorder.
In order to make a distinction here, a thorough anamnesis (recording of the previous history) and a psychopathological finding (diagnostics) are necessary.
In the initial telephone conversation, we clarify your topic, goal and your motivation for change. You will then receive a medical history form. This is necessary to clarify whether I am the right person to support you in your change and if so, in which direction my support can go.
If necessary, organic causes must first be clarified before treatment by me.
If organic causes have been clarified or can be ruled out and if the chemistry between us is right, nothing stands in the way of working together.
Like all doctors, health anxiety therapist and non-medical practitioners, I make no promises of healing.
People are individual and the success of the treatment also depends on their cooperation.
For legal reasons, I would like to point out that my work as a hypnosis therapist differs from that of a doctor, psychological or medical psychotherapist. In our first session, I will explain to you how you can get psychotherapeutic health insurance if you wish.
I do not make medical diagnoses, prescriptions or administer medication, nor do I make promises of healing or undertake remote treatments.
Any necessary medical or psychiatric treatment should under no circumstances be replaced by hypnotherapeutic treatment. I decide on the acceptance or rejection of treatments on a case-by-case basis and myself.
