Therapy Vs. Coaching
Therapy is intended to help people heal from an emotional experience such as trauma or recover from a psychological impairment such as an anxiety disorder. Coaching is intended to help people move from a place of adequate functioning to a place of superior functioning by helping them achieve personal goals such as improving intimacy in relationships, identifying values and priorities, advocating for better work-life balance, etc. While some therapists (like myself) do coaching as well, not all coaches do therapy. Which one is right for you? That depends on where you are in your process and what you are hoping to get out of it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health!
Therapy
The Client:
Is emotionally unwell such that function in one or more areas of life is impaired (typically meets criteria for a mental disorder)
May have experienced clinically traumatic events that continue to impact them at present
May have experienced harmful "family of origin" issues that continue to impact them at present
The Work:
Goal is to achieve understanding and healing
Focuses on dealing with the past
Driven by unresolved issues, unhelpful thoughts, and uncomfortable feelings
Explores the root of problems and offers explanation
A therapist asks: “How did that make you feel?”
Advantages:
Ongoing support
Heal deep, often long-standing pain
Deepens insight and self-awareness
A professional observes your patterns and helps you to recognize them
Coaching
The Client:
Is emotionally and psychologically well
May feel stuck or ineffective, but is not technically impaired
Has circumstances that they are currently seeking to change or improve, such as a challenging relationship or boredom with work
May have issues with confidence or self-esteem and difficulty expressing or asserting themselves
The Work:
Move toward a higher level of functioning
Focuses on the present and future
Driven by goals and taking action
Focuses on exploring solutions
A coach asks: “Where would you like to go and how can I help you get there?”
Advantages:
Fast results
Learn from multiple sources such as articles, exercises, journaling
Improve or maintain motivation
Develop skills
Form healthy habits