Peer Coaching
Meet the Coaches!
The Peer Coach Program was created in partnership with UMatter, the counseling center's outreach program, in order to provide virtual spaces for holistic wellness opportunities while students study from home. The Peer Coaches are comprised of Chico State Graduate students pursuing their MFT or Social Work Masters degrees.
Our peer coaches help students create goals and plans, offering encouragement, accountability, evaluating progress, and celebrating wins.
We work to help students achieve holistic wellbeing: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, relational, spiritual, and vocational.
Coaching vs. Therapy
Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, improved physical health, greater work-life balance, etc.
Some students find it helpful to participate in both therapy and coaching. For example, you may want to discuss your depression with a therapist and meet with a coach to create and achieve goals around diet and exercise.
The table below shows a quick side-by-side comparison of coaching vs. therapy
| Coaching | Therapy |
| Client is seekijng to enhance their emotional and psychological health | Client is emotionally unwell and in need of healing, or another perspective |
| Contact between sessions expected (accountability and wins) | Contact between sessions for crisis and difficulties only |
| Driven by goals and taking action | Driven by unresolved issues and feelings |
| Works toward a higher level of functioning | Works to achieve understanding and emotional healing |
| Results-based and focuses on exploring solutions | Explores the root of problems and offers explanation |
Virtual Zen Den Hours:
Creative Writing Group:
Grad Student Support Group:
WRAP (Wellness Action Recovery Plan):
Thursdays 1-2pm*
*email ahensley@csuchico.edu for info