Danger! This way you don’t fall for dubious coaching offers!

Danger! This way you don’t fall for dubious coaching offers!

In times of life crises, many people turn to coaching offers for help that promise quick solutions. But be careful: these offers often come from self-proclaimed coaches, gurus and mentors who advertise their services via social networks. These so-called coaches advertise with attractive certificates and full-bodied promises that often do not deliver what they promise. How t-online.de reports, it is often these tempting offers that persuade people to invest a lot of money in supposedly unique methods.

Disappointment often follows quickly: goals that have been set remain unachieved and the money invested in them is lost. Psychologist Bianca Liebrand from Sekten-Info Nordrhein-Westfalen explains that dubious providers specifically exploit life situations in which those affected have had no success with previous coping therapies. To do this, they use time pressure and the feeling of missing a unique opportunity to persuade people to take action.

Warning about dubious coaches

The consumer advice center also warns urgently against dubious coaching offers, especially on social media. The coaching trend has increased significantly in recent years and is attracting many people. However, the job title “coach” is not protected and is not tied to any specific qualifications. Reputable coaches usually offer a free preliminary consultation in which the duration, costs and individual goals are transparently communicated. In contrast, dubious providers usually cannot provide a clear service description and objectives.

There are many signs of dubious offers: pyramid schemes that encourage training as coaches and offers that claim to be suitable for everyone should often be viewed critically. If free coaching appointments are used as lure offers for paid events or if only positive reviews are found, mistrust should also arise. Bianca Liebrand also advises remaining critical and talking to people you trust before signing a contract. Before the contract is concluded, all general conditions should be recorded in writing.

Coaching vs. psychotherapy

It is important to emphasize that coaching cannot solve deep psychological problems. Psychotherapy is necessary for this. A reputable coach will refer a client to a psychotherapist if therapy is needed. Professional coaches ideally have in-depth training and specific topic expertise. Umbrella organizations such as the German Federal Association of Coaching e. V. offer guidance in the search for coaches and can provide valuable assistance.

Anyone who has already fallen for a dubious offer should not be ashamed. Talking to friends or family members can help you process the experience. There are also institutions such as the European Consumer Center that offer support with dubious providers. If you have any questions about coaching contracts, the local consumer advice center is also an important point of contact.

At a time when mental health is often the focus, awareness and skepticism are of utmost importance when choosing a coach in order not to fall into the cost trap of dubious offers.