Is Training the same as Therapy?

Is that an odd question? Is Training the same as Therapy?

Well actually there are similarities.

For example, in training we are taught how important it is to build rapport with our delegates, talk their language and engage with them. In that way, they are more likely to listen to what we have to say and willingly take part. We are also taught as trainers to reduce or remove fear from training, a lot of people hate training courses, they think they are going to have to do roleplay, or sing a song, or some other form of torture.

Therapy is very similar, without rapport, therapy is hard work and may well fail. If our clients are frightened, it will take a while for them to open up and tell us what we really need to know.

Training is also intended to persuade people to change their behaviour, otherwise there is no point in holding the course. Similarly in therapy, we work together to show a client that where they may have believed they had only one choice in front of them, or even no choice at all, in fact there are several and they are all better than what they are currently doing. But it is the client who has to change, with my help of course.

Now a good trainer won’t actually do all the talking. In fact, delegates need to do at least 70% of the work, because doing something is the best way to learn. Again, a good therapist will let their client talk, will respond with questions and listen. Really listen. Of course there are times when a therapist is doing a lot of talking, but they aren’t doing this all the time. You don’t need to impress your client with your knowledge, they already assume that you have that.

So would a therapist make a good trainer? Well maybe. There are many skills to training, just as there are to therapy.

So where is this all leading? Well I am both, and I think that means when anyone comes to me either as a client or a workshop delegate, they will get something more and better than they would get from others. Just a thought.

If you want to find out for yourself, why not come along to my next workshop.

 

 

Here is the eventbrite link: The Horrors of Communication Breakdown.

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