Coaching vs Therapy
Many people ask, "what's the difference between therapy and coaching" or "why would someone need a coach vs a therapist?" These are great questions. Below are a few of the main differences between mental health therapy and coaching.
Focus Area
Coaching focuses primarily on the here and now with a focus on "how".
Therapy often focuses on the past and exploring the "why".
Symptoms
Coaching can address "non-clinical symptoms" such as burnout or stress. Therapy addresses clinical symptoms stemming from a diagnosis and symptom management.
Outcomes
Outcomes for coaching range from goal acheivement to increase self awareness or productivity. Therapuetic goals focus on symptom and functional impairment reduction.
Both Coaching and Therapy lean on evidence-based methodologies and strategies to support individuals seeking transformation and change. The most fundamental difference between therapy and coaching is that therapy works primarily to address more clinical needs and symptoms of mental illness whereas coaching focuses on making a plan to work toward current goals, gaining awareness or insight as you face life changes or challenges, or increasing your overall self-awareness or self-confidence.
If you find yourself in need of therapy or psychiatric services, Psychology Today has a great search feature to locate providers in your area who can assist you with this type of support.