Therapy vs coaching – What's the difference and which one do I need?
Therapy and coaching are two separate approaches to personal growth and mental health. While there is some overlap between the two, coaching and therapy each offer different methodologies and benefits. In this overview, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between therapy and coaching to help you decide which option is more appropriate for you and your personal growth goals.
What is therapy?
Therapy, sometimes called counseling or psychotherapy, is an introspective process of analyzing, diagnosing, and resolving a myriad of psychological issues including mental illnesses, disorders, cognitive distortions, behavioral challenges, relational concerns, and trauma. The focus of therapy is often past oriented, and the techniques used in therapy will help a client process and heal from unresolved issues that may be negatively impacting their mental health and well-being.
Benefits of therapy
Gain insight and self-awareness.
Develop coping skills.
Process the pain of the past.
Achieve post-traumatic growth
Issues therapy addresses
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD)
Relational issues
Behavioral issues
Substance addictions
Depression
Anxiety
Psychological disorders
Personality disorders
Severe stress
When to seek therapy
You are experiencing significant emotional distress.
You are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, or substance abuse.
You want to heal from a painful past.
You need support navigating distressing or complex emotions.
You struggle with interpersonal relationships.
You feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode and would benefit from developing therapeutic coping strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Therapist qualifications and credentials
Therapists and coaches receive different training and qualifications. Therapists must have a license to practice, and to become licensed, therapists undergo rigorous education, receive supervised clinical experience, and adhere to ethical guidelines and legal regulations. Additionally, therapists generally have professional training in psychology, counseling, or social work, and they also typically hold advanced degrees.
What is coaching?
Coaching is an educational and collaborative partnership between a coach and a client where solution-focused goals are outlined and pursued. Coaching is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, rather it is designed to provide support and accountability to help clients achieve their personal life or relationship goals and manifest the highest level of their potential.
Whereas therapy will take a deep dive into your past in order to understand your present, coaching is primarily future oriented and goal driven. Through the highly structured process of coaching, clients will identify personal growth goals, develop action plans, and work towards achieving a specific desired outcome. While coaching is not a substitute for therapy and should not be used to address significant mental health concerns, coaching is a powerful resource for individuals who would benefit from wisdom, clarity, and motivation.
Benefits of coaching
Gain clarity and direction.
Receive solution-focused guidance.
Develop a personalized action-oriented success plan for a particular goal.
Achieve authentic confidence and courage as you grow into the highest and truest version of you.
Issues coaching addresses
General relational issues
Unhealthy/unhelpful habits
Imposter syndrome
Career mentoring
Lack of motivation
Lack of a clear purpose and direction in life
When to seek coaching
You need a sense of direction regarding the next chapter of your life.
You are struggling with a major life choice such as a career decision, a relationship milestone, etc.
You need support getting crystal clear on who you are, what you want in life, and why.
You are suffering from a lack of motivation and as a result feel emotionally paralyzed or “stuck.”
You desire to live life with purpose and meaning but are not sure where to begin.
You feel like something is missing and want to elevate your life and achieve your highest potential.
You want to break unhealthy/unhelpful habits and become the best and truest version of yourself.
You want to focus on the future by optimizing your present.
Coaching qualifications and credentials
Unlike therapy, coaching is not a regulated profession in most countries and does not necessarily require specific credentials or licenses. However, there are professional coaching organizations that offer certification programs, and many coaches choose to pursue specialized training and certification to develop their skills and enhance their credibility as a coach.
Coaching and therapy combined
While coaching and therapy are two distinct approaches to personal growth and cognitive development, both can complement each other very well. If you have a desire to heal from your past, and a hope to achieve a life dream in your future, then both a therapist and a coach may be very helpful. Some people prefer to attend therapy and coaching separately, but as long as both your therapist and your coach ensure their treatment plans align and support your overall well-being, you can participate in both simultaneously.
Ultimately, the choice between therapy and coaching depends on the individual’s specific needs, circumstances, and goals. If you are not sure which approach is most suitable for your situation, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. Contact me.
The bottom line
Therapy is primarily past oriented. Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and psychological challenges. Therapy focuses on identifying and reducing mental health symptoms.
Coaching is primarily present and future oriented. Coaches act as strategic guides and offer solution-focused support. The focus of coaching is to motivate clients towards achieving specific goals.
Since I am both a licensed psychotherapist and a trauma informed Certified Adult Chair® Master Coach, my clients often get the best of both worlds. That said, I always discuss the differences explicitly in our introductory session to ensure my clients are aware of what to expect when working with me.
Therapy and coaching both require active participation on both parties, and no two clients are the same. I take a holistic approach with every client to ensure a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment where you are free to be yourself and share your struggles openly. Whether you choose coaching or therapy, I’d love to walk alongside you as you gain a deeper love for yourself and for the life you were born to live!
Let’s Connect
Hi there! I’m Jenny, a licensed Holistic Therapist and Certified Adult Chair® Master Coach.
I combine both therapy and coaching methodologies to provide my clients with a holistic perspective and the techniques they need to flourish. Rediscovering who you were always meant to be is an act of courage, and radical self- love can turn unconscious paralysis into conscious growth. Learn more about me here.