Do I need a mindfulness teacher or a mindfulness coach?
I love this question, it’s important to understand the difference. Let me expand on this and explain it fully because it’ll inform who you seek for guidance and support on your journey.
Mindfulness is the act of being aware in the present moment without judgment. Its roots are in Buddhism but we now use a secular version, which gives the space to add your own religion or spirituality to it.
If you’re thinking of learning mindfulness, there are different ways you can do that. So, depending on the experience you desire and outcomes you want, choosing how you deepen your mindfulness knowledge and practice will be key.
Mindfulness Teacher
A Mindfulness Teacher is often trained in specific mindfulness based programs, such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Their role is to teach the principles of mindfulness through structured courses. These courses are curriculum driven and are designed to systematically introduce you to mindfulness practices.
These courses might be in a healthcare setting, community centre, or online. During a course, you’d be introduced to various mindfulness practices including seated meditation, body scan exercises, and gentle yoga. The teacher guides you through these practices, provides theory, and discusses ways to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Usually this will be in a group setting with courses typically lasting from 6 - 8 weeks.
Mindfulness Coach
A Mindfulness Coach on the other hand, often works with you as an individual, focusing more on the application of mindfulness principles to achieve specific personal or professional goals. The mindfulness coach will teach mindfulness techniques, but their approach is more personalised and tailored to your current situation, challenges, and aspirations. So you have a much deeper experience and individualised approach to your personal development journey with mindfulness.
For example, a mindfulness coach might work with a client who is seeking to manage work related stress. The coach assesses the client's unique stressors and goals, and then develops a customised mindfulness program. This program might include specific mindfulness exercises to practice throughout the workday, strategies for mindful communication with colleagues, and techniques to cultivate a more mindful approach to decision making and leadership. The coach provides ongoing support, helping the client to adapt practices as needed and overcome obstacles to their mindfulness practice.
The key differences
1
Mindfulness teachers generally follow a structured curriculum designed to impart mindfulness skills systematically, whereas mindfulness coaches offer more flexible, personalised guidance based on the individual's needs.
2
Mindfulness teaching is more educational, aiming to broadly introduce mindfulness practices. Coaching, however, is more focused on achieving specific outcomes through the application of mindfulness.
3
Mindfulness teachers often work with larger groups in formal courses, mindfulness coaches are more likely to provide one-on-one or small group coaching, allowing for a much more personalised approach.
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I hope this helps in understanding the difference. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about 1:1 mindfulness coaching with me, feel free to book a call to get the conversation started. I’d love to answer your questions.
Much love,
Kate x
