Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Professional Medical Coach Differ from a (Medical) Psychologist?

The difference between a psychologist and a professional medical coach lies in their training, the nature of their work, and their approach.
De werkwijze van een medisch coach is wezenlijk anders dan die van een psycholoog of therapeut.
The working method of a medical coach is fundamentally different from that of a psychologist or therapist. Here are the main differences:

Education and Certification

Professional Medical Coach: Often has a background in healthcare or coaching, with additional training focused on medical or health coaching. Certifications for medical coaching can vary and are generally less strictly regulated than those for psychologists. A professional medical coach is a coach and not a medical professional. At Van Leuven Medical Coaching, I was trained at the Harvard of medical coaching programs, the https://medical-coaching-institute.com/ (currently I am interning there), and I am also accredited by the International Coach Federation.
Pschologist:: Has an academic education in psychology (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) and often must obtain a license or certification regulated by professional organizations and government agencies. This typically requires adherence to strict ethical and professional guidelines.
Medical psychologist: These psychologists have extensive training in clinical psychology, diagnostics, and therapy, often with additional specialization in medical psychology.

Purpose and Focus

Professional Medical Coach: Focuses on supporting clients in managing chronic illnesses, pre- or post-recovery from illness or surgery, and improving overall health and well-being. The goal is to help clients optimize their health and lifestyle, fostering resilience in difficult times on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels, including for future situations.
Pschologist:: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. The goal is to improve psychological well-being.
Medical psychologist: Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders within a medical context.

Approach and Methodology

Professional Medical Coach: Uses practical and supportive techniques, such as motivational interviewing, behavior change strategies, and developing personal resources. The focus is often on guiding clients in making healthy choices across various aspects, adhering to medical advice, learning to prioritize themselves in different areas of life, and reclaiming control in crisis times. A medical coach helps the patient develop around their issues and is a support system during the illness process.
Pschologist:Utilizes scientifically backed methods and therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, or humanistic therapy. They can also perform psychological tests and assessments.

Work Environment

Professional Medical Coach: Works in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, and private practices. They may also offer online services.
Pschologist:Often works in clinical settings such as hospitals, psychiatric institutions, and private practices. They can also be involved in research and education.

Scope of Work

Professional Medical Coach: Helps clients cope with health-related challenges, such as adhering to medical treatments, dealing with diagnostic shock, adjusting lifestyle, and improving self-care skills to achieve personal goals in changing circumstances. Sessions with a medical coach can go very deep for the patient, depending on the patient’s personal goals.
Pschologist:: Can treat profound psychological issues, such as trauma, emotional disorders, and deeply rooted behavioral problems.

Collaboration with health professionals

Professional Medical Coach: Often works closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide an integrated approach to managing clients' health.
Pschologist:: Sometimes collaborates with other healthcare professionals; the focus is mainly on mental health care.
Medical psychologist: : Definitely works together with other disciplines in the hospital.

Compensation

Professional Medical Coach: Sometimes covered by health insurance, especially if the coaching is recommended by a doctor. However, it is often paid directly by the client.
Pschologist:: Often covered by health insurance, depending on the region and type of care.