Do you dread Monday mornings? Do you find yourself thinking that your workplace has become toxic or at least completely dysfunctional? Are you trying to figure out what to do? Perhaps working on an exit strategy? If you are like many people, you are searching online for options like from self-help books, starting a meditation practice, exercise, venting to friends, hiring a career coach, or a therapist. All of these can be incredibly helpful. Which one is right for you?
It depends on how deeply your workplace has impacted you. In my experience, having endured more than one very challenging workplace, it is usually a combination that is most helpful. There are many self-help books with terrific ideas and suggestions. Meditation has become very accessible with lots of options for in person and online. Personally, I have found Mindfulness practice the most helpful for me. Exercise of course comes in a multitude of forms and options (true confessions–this is not my go to option 🙂). What about coaching and therapy? Since I am a clinical psychologist who offers both coaching and therapy, let me share a few key differences.
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Coaching is ideal when you want to enhance your current capacity. A career coach can help you assess current professional strengths, identify areas for growth, explore possible options, and guide you in how to re-connect with your personal and professional network. They can coach you on how to present your best self on your CV/Resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as in a cover letter. Coaches prep you for job interviews and guide you on negotiating a favorable offer. A career coach can help you maximize your performance for a successful exit strategy. A coach can also provide guidance on how to navigate your current dysfunctional workplace so that you minimize the harm to yourself, while you work on your exit plan.
Alternatively, a therapist is your optimal choice if you believe that the dynamics in your workplace have actually harmed your emotional, relational, or physical well-being. Signs that you have been harmed by the workplace include symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, or PTSD symptoms like intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Sometimes workplace toxicity impacts our relationships either at work or home or both. Alternatively, your body might be manifesting symptoms like insomnia, migraines, tummy troubles, high blood pressure, out of control diabetes. If you are having any of these types of symptoms, it’s a good indication that a therapist can be of help. Of course, it’s important to also check in with your family physician on the physical symptoms.
