The Differences Between Coaching & Therapy

Sometimes it is difficult to define exactly what coaching is to people when they ask me what it is that I do.  The definition of coaching has typically varied across the industry due to coaching becoming more popular, but the widely accepted definition comes from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Coaching according to the ICF is defined as ‘partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential’.

Historically, when a person needs support or feels as though they are lacking clarity or the resources they need to move forward in life, counselling or therapy have been the only real options available to them.  This article aims to clarify the differences between these approaches so that you can determine which one might be appropriate for you.

Coaching uses a future-focused approach, whereas therapy often looks to the past.

Individuals typically seek coaching as a method for forging a new future. Coaching is for those who are emotionally and mentally healthy and ready to advance. On the other hand, therapy deals with alleviating emotional pain, dysfunction, and conflict within an individual or in relationships.

Coaching professionals do not diagnose; therapists and other mental health professionals, for example psychologists, do.

The coaching client is emotionally and psychologically healthy; while in therapy or counselling, the client is emotionally and/or spiritually unstable and seeks healing.

Coaching asks the question “Where would you like to be or see yourself? and how can you get there?” therapy asks “How did that make you feel?

Coaching is results-based and focuses on exploring solutions; therapy explores the root of problems and offers an explanation.

Coaching is for a limited and often defined time; whereas the therapist-client relationship can go on for an indefinite period of time.

Coaching can be done virtually, over the phone and in person; while therapy is typically done mostly face to face due to professional or legal restrictions.

Regardless of how many definitions there are, and what definition of coaching resonates for you, the most significant thing to comprehend is that coaching is NOT therapy. It is a profession that exists to help improve the professional and personal lives of people by moving them forward towards achieving their desired goals or outcomes.

If you are considering engaging a coach to support you to achieve your goals, please let me know if you would like to arrange a time for a conversation so that we can determine if this is the right way forward for you at this point in time.