What is the distinction between therapy (medical, surgical, psychological) and (ontological) coaching?

What is the distinction between therapy (medical, surgical, psychological) and (ontological) coaching?

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by Poh-Sun Goh, 13 February 2022, 0723am, Singapore Time

Consider a clinical encounter. When meeting a patient, (and their family), for the first time, an observation of how the patient 'presents' or 'shows up' (to use an ontological perspective) is made. The opening questions frame the clinical complaint or problem, starts a conversation of why the patient is seeking healthcare, the patient's concerns, and worries. When 'taking the clinical history', both general and follow up questions are posed, with the clinical practitioner constantly observing, initially with an open mind, then progressively testing one or more hypotheses (this problem solving mental frame of reference is the key difference between 'making a clinical diagnosis' or 'solving a clinical problem', and ontological coaching). During the physical examination and ordering tests, both the nature of the problem is defined, a provisional diagnosis made, which is progressively narrowed down, leading to a treatment, which might be medical, surgical, supportive (including physical, mental/psychological and emotional interventions) being prescribed. Or simply rest recommended. Usually the body 'heals' itself with rest, and support (nutritional, pharmacological, surgical, rehabilitative, physical, mental, psychological, emotional). 

The distinction and difference between the medical healthcare model, and coaching is that coaching adds value 'after' a medical, surgical, or psychological-therapeutic issue has been ruled out. Ontological coaching is not (psychological, surgical or medical) therapy. In Ontological coaching, the coachee's attention and awareness is drawn to how their body (disposition), use of language and speech, and emotions (state or 'wardrobe') define their current life (state). And through active listening, reflective observation and feedback, progressively facilitates self-realisation by the coachee of their agency and possibility to choose how to show up differently (if a different outcome is intended) - physically, in their body (B), emotion (E), and language (L) speech. Through observation (O), awareness and choice of action (A), to shape their intended outcome (O).

- Poh-Sun Goh, 13 February 2022, 0752pm, Singapore Time