What is the Difference Between Coaching & Therapy?
Coaching and therapy are complementary but distinct approaches to personal growth and healing. While it's often said that coaches focus on the future and therapists on the past, the reality is more nuanced, with areas of overlap.
Understanding the Foundations
Coaches do look to the future with their clients, helping them set and achieve goals, but they may also delve into the past to identify and overcome obstacles that slow progress. On the other hand, therapists primarily work on healing past traumas and resolving emotional issues to improve overall well-being.
What really separates coaches from therapists are their qualifications, areas of expertise, and legalities. Therapists, including counselors and licensed social workers, undergo extensive academic training, typically earning master's degrees, completing supervised practical experience, and passing licensure exams. This enables them to diagnose clients and provide treatment within a medical model of care. Only therapists can refer to their work as 'therapy.'
The approach to education for therapists and coaches is vastly different.
Therapists come out of academia. The focus of graduate school for counselors is on learning how the brain works, family and group dynamics, theories of attachment, etc. All student counselors are required to do many hours of supervised practical experience, submit a huge application packet to the state, and then receive their license. It is a long road to licensure, a road that can lead to a very fulfilling career helping people through the darkest times of their lives.
In contrast, coaches earn certifications rather than licensure. Their education focuses on coaching theory, techniques, and practical application, often through specialized training programs. Coaches may pursue certification from organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) to enhance their credentials and credibility in the field. The best coaches never stop learning and invest heavily in their own coaching and ongoing education, then we pass that education onto our clients, teaching them what we know and live – because it’s the path we’ve walked, leading to an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling life.
A dream without a plan is just a fantasy.
Coaching is primarily future-oriented, emphasizing goal-setting, action planning, and accountability. Coaches work collaboratively with clients to clarify their objectives, develop actionable strategies, and track progress over time. A dream without a plan is just a fantasy. We want you to live your dream, one area of life at a time.
We celebrate setbacks and failures
Ultimately, the choice between coaching and therapy depends on individual needs and goals. If you're struggling with severe mental health issues or in need of medication, seeking therapy from a qualified professional is essential. However, if you're seeking support to achieve specific life goals, enhance personal development, or navigate transitions, coaching may be a valuable option.
The goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Regardless of the path you choose, whether therapy or coaching, the goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So, consider what you're looking for at this point in life and explore your options accordingly. If you're ready to take proactive steps towards positive change, reach out to a coach or therapist who can support you on your path to growth and transformation. encourage you to consider what you’re looking for at this point in your life. If you want more from life — more health, vitality, clarity, money, freedom, or confidence — make your appointment today. Let’s get you the results you’re ready for!
