Coaching vs. Therapy:What’s the difference?

tl;dr Coaching is looking forward. Therapy is unearthing your past.

One topic that keeps coming up in my intro calls with people is the difference between coaching and therapy. On the surface it can look the same: 2 chairs facing each other, an open space for your emotions and to be heard, expansive questions, as well as a commitment to confidentiality. Both aim to support individuals in overcoming challenges and reaching their goals.

However they operate with quite distinct principles and methodologies. Understanding the nuances between coaching and therapy will help you choose the right path for your needs, and also understand what to discuss in the different spaces. 

Defining Coaching and Therapy:

Coaching:

Coaching is a collaborative process that focuses on achieving specific goals and unlocking your potential to maximise your performance. Coaches work with you to identify goals, develop strategies, and provide support and accountability as you work towards your desired outcomes. Coaching typically operates on a forward-looking basis, emphasising action-oriented steps to create positive change in the present and future.

A key focus of coaching is establishing a goal and making a plan to achieve it. Defining the, parameters (who, what, where, when + numbers), then figuring out the “how”.

Therapy:

Therapy, on the other hand, delves into the deeper aspects of mental and emotional well-being. Therapists help you explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, often addressing past experiences and traumas that may be impacting your present life. Therapy aims to promote healing, self-awareness, and psychological growth, with a focus on resolving inner conflicts and improving overall mental health and functioning.

Key Differences:

Focus and Scope:

Coaching primarily focuses on specific goals and objectives related to personal or professional development. It is solution-oriented, aiming to empower you to take action and achieve tangible results in areas such as career advancement, health, or personal fulfilment. 

Therapy, on the other hand, addresses a broader range of psychological issues and concerns, including mental health disorders, trauma, addiction, and relationships.

Time Orientation:

Coaching typically focuses on the present and future. Setting and working towards future goals, identifying obstacles, developing strategies, and taking steps towards realising your aspirations. 

Therapy often involves exploring past experiences and their impact on current thoughts and behaviours. Therapists delve into childhood experiences, traumas, or unresolved emotions to promote healing and self-understanding.

The overlap:

It is quite common for there to be an overlap in both coaching and therapy. You may find yourself making goals and commitments in therapy, establishing new patterns and working out obstacles. In coaching you may go deep into discussions of why obstacles exist, what are the factors that are in play right now. You may feel scared or overwhelmed about goals or plans or repeating past behaviour. A coach may explore the “why” behind this to see if we can unlock this and keep moving forward.  

Choosing the Right Path:

Deciding between coaching and therapy depends on your individual needs. So, here are some considerations to help guide your decision:

• Clarity of Goals: If you have specific goals you want to achieve, such as career and business advancement or an improved lifestyle, coaching may be the right choice.

• Emotional Well-being: If you're struggling with emotional challenges, past traumas, or mental health issues, therapy may provide the support and guidance you need to heal and thrive.

• Preference for Action vs. Insight: If you're focused on taking practical steps towards your goals and value accountability and action-oriented support, coaching may be more suitable. 

• If you're seeking deeper self-awareness and understanding of underlying patterns, therapy may be the better option.

• However, it is common for people have both coaching and therapy! It can be helpful to work towards something, whilst you are delving deep into your past with someone else. Keeping things moving and enriching your current/future self, whilst taking time to unearth and relate to your deeper self.

At the end of the day, both coaching and therapy put you in the centre. Dedicated time to explore and work through a topic. Deep emotions and all topics are fine in both, it is the responsibility of the coach and therapist to keep things on the right path. Both offer valuable pathways for personal growth and transformation

I hope this helps you make a more informed choice for your unique needs and aspirations. Whether you're looking to achieve specific goals, navigate life transitions, or address emotional challenges, the support of a skilled coach or therapist can empower you to create positive change and live a more fulfilling life.

If you still need help deciding what is right for you, book an intro call with me. We can discuss if coaching is the right path, or if therapy would be more beneficial.