How does Personal Development differ from other methods?
Whilst sharing certain core principles, there are some key differences between personal development, therapy, counselling and life coaching. Therapy and counselling tend to focus on resolving problems from the past and life coaching on the present and future. Personal development focuses on you as a whole person, with your life in context.
In therapy/counselling/life coaching the relationship is often perceived as expert and patient. In personal development, we are equal partners, working as a team with a shared feeling of trust.
People are the sum of their genes, upbringing, life experiences and present circumstances. Current issues can often have their roots in the past. It can take the objective stance and experience of the personal development consultant to detect this.
In order to move forward it might be necessary to look at old thoughts, relationships or patterns which are sabotaging, sometimes subconsciously, future happiness and fulfilment. Personal development, whilst definitely focusing on the present and future, can look at the past as well.