Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Sleep Coaching Labels Are Confusing
2. The Evolution of Sleep Coaching
3. What is Gentle Sleep Coaching?
4. What is Holistic Sleep Coaching?
5. The Problem: Misuse of “Holistic” Sleep Coaching
6. The “Bait and Switch” Tactics in Sleep Coaching
7. How to Choose the Right Sleep Coaching Method
8. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Introduction: Why Sleep Coaching Labels Are Confusing 

There are many different terms used to describe sleep coaching that isn’t “cry-it-out.” You’ll often hear words like:

• Gentle
• Supportive
• Natural
• Responsive
• Nurturing
• Evidence-Based
• Holistic

Each of these terms sounds appealing, but what do they actually mean? If you’re feeling confused by all the options, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we will break down the real differences between gentle and holistic sleep coaching and explain how to avoid choosing the wrong method as a sleep consultant.

If you prefer to watch, check out our video guide where we break it all down:

The Evolution of Sleep Coaching

For decades, there was only one widely accepted way to become a sleep consultant—a behavioural, mainstream approach.

This approach promoted outdated methods, such as:

• Rigid sleep schedules (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM sleep rules)
• Eliminating “bad” sleep habits (like rocking or feeding to sleep)
• Controlled crying and cry-it-out techniques

Over time, parents and professionals started to question why sleep coaching was so focused on behaviour rather than the real science of infant sleep. This led to the rise of gentler sleep coaching methods, but not all of them are as gentle as they claim.

What is Gentle Sleep Coaching?

Gentle sleep coaching emerged as a response to traditional sleep training and provided alternative methods such as:

• Camping out – Staying with the child while reducing interventions.
• Gradual retreat – Moving further away from the child over time.
• Crying in arms – Allowing a child to cry, but with comfort.
• Sleep shaping – Adjusting bedtime habits instead of using direct sleep training.

These methods were an improvement over mainstream sleep training, but they still mainly focused on sleep behaviours.

One of the biggest concerns is that many programs rebranded old sleep training techniques under the term “gentle.”

For example, controlled crying is sometimes marketed as “spaced soothing” or “responsive settling.”

This is why understanding the difference between “gentle” and “holistic” sleep coaching is essential.

What is Holistic Sleep Coaching?

Unlike gentle sleep coaching, holistic sleep coaching looks at the bigger picture.

Instead of just focusing on sleep behaviours, holistic coaching considers:

• Parental mental health and stress levels
• Child temperament and emotional needs
• Neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities
• Responsive feeding and nighttime bonding
• Family environment and attachment security

The Holistic Sleep Coaching Program was created with this broader approach, integrating pediatrics, neuroscience, and responsive parenting strategies.

Holistic sleep coaching is not just about improving sleep—it is about supporting family well-being as a whole.

The Problem: Misuse of “Holistic” Sleep Coaching 

Many parents search for “holistic sleep coaching” because they want an approach that respects their child’s needs.

Unfortunately, some programs misuse the term “holistic” just to attract parents—without actually providing a truly holistic approach.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• A sleep coach who says they’re holistic but only talks about sleep schedules.
• A training program that claims to be holistic but still includes behavioural training.
• Courses that don’t mention mental health, feeding, or sensory needs.

Just because something is called “holistic” does not mean it actually is.

The “Bait and Switch” Tactics in Sleep Coaching 

Another common issue in the sleep coaching industry is the bait-and-switch strategy used by some “gentle” sleep coaches.

How It Works:

1. A consultant advertises gentle or holistic sleep coaching.
2. A parent hires them, thinking they will get a truly responsive approach.
3. The consultant later recommends controlled crying under a different name.

This damages trust with parents and confuses consultants who think they are learning holistic methods—only to find out it is just rebranded sleep training.

How to Choose the Right Sleep Coaching Method 

If you want to become a highly skilled and trusted sleep consultant, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to support families in a way that respects their instincts?
• Do I believe that sleep is connected to emotional, developmental, and family dynamics?
• Do I want to use science-backed methods that go beyond behaviour-focused sleep training?

If you answered yes, then holistic sleep coaching is the right approach for you.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps 

At the Holistic Sleep Coaching Program, we train professionals worldwide to become expert sleep consultants who support families without outdated sleep training methods.

Want to learn the right way to support families? Book a FREE strategy call now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)