The Myth of the Perfect Coach or Therapist: Why Good Enough is More Than Enough

What does the perfect coach or therapist look like? A former CEO exuding gravitas? A clinical psychologist in a pristine lab coat? Or someone who always says the right thing at the right time. As coaches and therapists, it’s not about being perfect. Hold space instead of striving to be “perfect”.

The perfect coach or therapist. What might they look like?

A former CEO-turned-coach, wearing an expensive business suit, exuding gravitas and commanding respect.

A lab-coat-wearing, stern and perfectly presented psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology?

Holding a metric tonne of experience. Saying the right words at the right time. Knowing all the things — and sharing their piercing insights. Yes, these people do exist — but are they perfect? Perfect, as in — perfect in their professional outcomes and also client collaboration?

Yet how may a brand-new coach or a provisional psychologist be perfect for their client?

Another provocative question I would like to ask you is: Is a 6 out of 10 good enough? It may be a 6 out of 10 in effort or a 6 out of 10 in eventual client outcome. How does it feel when I ask you this question?