Coaching vs. Therapy

A common misconception is that coaching is the same as therapy, when in fact they are quite different. Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help normal, healthy individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, weight loss, and improved work-life balance. etc.

The table below shows a quick side-by-side comparison of coaching vs. therapy

Coaching versus Therapy

Coaching

• The client is emotionally and psychologically healthy

• Focuses on the present and future

• Driven by goals and taking action

• Works toward a higher level of functioning

• Results-based and focuses on exploring solutions

• Asks, “Where would you like to be and how can you get there?

• Acts on information

• Done over the phone, internet or in person

• Coach and client collaborate on solutions

• Contact between sessions expected (accountability and wins)

Therapy

• The client is emotionally unwell and needs healing

• Focuses on dealing with the past

• Driven by unresolved issues and feelings

• Works to achieve understanding and emotional healing

• Explores the root of problems and offers explanation

• ”Asks, “How did that make you feel?”

• Absorbs information

• Done in an office setting

• Therapist is the ‘expert’

• Contact between sessions for crisis and difficulties only