You’re unhappy at work, you and your partner aren’t communicating as well as you’d like, and you don’t know the next direction you want your life to take. You think you might want to talk to someone, but you’re not sure which is right for you — therapy or coaching.
At first glance, they seem similar: therapists and coaches can help you work toward your goals, examine areas of your life that you might want to improve on, and untangle. But which one should you choose? Here’s a quick look at what therapy is, what coaching is, some important differences between them, and some ways to decide which is best for you.
What is a therapist?
A therapist is a clinician, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist , pastoral counselor or nurse practitioner, with a focus on the treatment of mental health conditions. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers can all offer psychotherapy. Credentials (for example, MD, PhD, or MSW) tell you that the therapist has completed a foundation course and has been awarded a degree by an academic institution. The license tells you the therapist has passed a state-administered exam.
In short, therapists helping people live happier, healthier and more productive lives by applying research-based techniques to help them develop more effective habits. They use approaches like cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal communication, psychodynamics, and more to help people overcome their problems.
What is a coach?
Coaches partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The International Coaching Federation, the leading global organization for coaches and coaches, distinguishes therapy from coaching by saying coaching focuses on vision, success, the present, and the future.
They say therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes psychology, emotions and the past to understand the present, saying it works more with developing skills to manage emotions or past problems is training. They even provide a resource for coaches to understand when and how to refer a client to a mental health or other support professional when a client’s needs are out of reach. of the coach.
Coaches can get certifications from private programs or professional organizations, but coaches are not regulated by a government organization. Although they don’t have an official license to be a coach, that doesn’t mean they don’t provide good quality services. They can come from any educational background and they are usually very experienced in a certain field.
What is the main difference between coaching and therapy?
The most important distinction to make between therapists and coaches is that therapists are medical professionals qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. If you suspect or know that you have a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, working with a therapist is for you.
Also, one of the biggest differences between coaching and therapy is that coaching is not covered by insurance while therapy may be (if you meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental health condition). and treatment for that condition deemed appropriate by your insurance company).
It’s important to contact your insurance provider and find out what your particular insurance does and doesn’t cover — most likely. going out online is actually cheaper and easier for you to seek care.
A common misconception about the difference between coaching and therapy is that coaching is for “healthy” people and therapy is for “sick” people, but that’s not true!
First of all, therapy isn’t just for people with mental health conditions. Anyone can see a therapist to help them grow as a person.
The main difference is if you to be If you experience symptoms of a mental health condition, a therapist is right for you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see a coach for other topics as well.
How do I know if therapy or training is right for me?
Therapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between the person seeking therapy and their therapist. Your therapist will provide a safe, supportive space for you to talk to a neutral, non-judgmental party.
Therapy may be right for you if:
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Are you looking to recover from a past injury?
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You love to explore past relationships or events from your childhood
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You have a diagnosable mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
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You are going through grief, divorce, addiction, or other life events that are affecting your daily life
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You just think it’s time to see a therapist
Coaching focuses on vision, success, the present, and moving into the future. Your coach will help you improve your performance and set and achieve goals.
Coaching may be right for you if:
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You want to focus on goals and results
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Are you looking to upgrade your job, business or career?
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Want to improve your leadership or communication skills?
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You are uncertain about your next steps and you want to focus
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You just want to see how a coach can help you
If you’re still not sure which one might be right for you, This quiz might be helpful. Which brings us to our final point:
Can I do therapy and training at the same time?
Of course! Many people work with coaches and therapists at the same time and find both relationships satisfying and valuable. We are all multifaceted with different needs and while some of your needs may be best supported by a therapist, others can benefit from their perspective and expertise. a coach.
The best thing to do if you’re wondering about starting a relationship with either person is to put together a list of possible matches and conduct a free phone consultation to see who might be a good match. best suits you at this time in your life.
Whatever path you choose, it’s important that you took that first step to get the support you deserve.
