Difference Between Coaching & Therapy

Therapy

• Focus is often on the past, childhood experiences, and old patterns of behavior.
• Often asks “why?”
• Often focused on understanding patterns of behavior and feelings; releasing feelings associated with past trauma, abuse, and loss.
• Focus is on freeing client from the past so they can choose new possibilities in the future.
• Does not relate from a position of expert, authority, or heale.
• Clients often dealing with serious pain and suffering, and complex personal issues.
• Client does more work as the therapy progresses.
• Generally serious in spirit, in relation to how serious the client’s issues are.
• Can be used concurrently with coaching.
• Advice and opinions generally are not offered.
• Contact most often face-to-face, on a standardized schedule.

Coaching

• Doesn’t engage in deep emotional work on childhood issues.
• Seldom ask “why?”
• Focus is on learning through action – a partnership between self-discovery and sustainable action.
• Focus is on the present and making it come alive. Holding client’s biggest dreams & desires, making them come true right now.
• Client and coach are in partnership.
• Clients engage with meaningful challenges in creating the life they most want to liv.
• Client does the work & focus is on the client taking their own action.
• Respectful, creative spirit of discovery even when issues are serious.
• Can be used concurrently with therapy.
• Advice, suggestions,& opinions may be offered.
• Contact can often be by phone and email as well as face-to-face.