Is Working With A Coach The Same As Working With A Therapist?

Despite what you may hear, coaching is not therapy in disguise.

However, there are similarities that should be recognized. Two sides that sometimes meet in the middle. Psychotherapy often deals with the past and may relate to trauma. Therapy is a way of diagnosing, and understanding, self-destructive behaviors and habits. And it helps us deal with painful emotions. It’s a clinical intervention with a focus on introspection and analysis. It’s a powerful tool that helps individuals move through pain and resolve past issues within the confines of a safe environment and with a licensed clinician.

Coaching is equally powerful, but it differs in that it deals with the here and now. Both methodologies incorporate mental and emotional health, but coaching is not a treatment. It’s primary focus is on self-improvement and well-being in a peer setting.

During coaching you are in relationship with your coach. It’s active and in the present. As already mentioned, our premise is that each person comes to us as naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. This is where we begin our journey.

Coaching is focused on what we want to achieve and how to unlock our potential.

As coaches, we believe that barriers to being successful are primarily internal. By understanding, and naming what’s holding us back we are able to overcome those obstacles, take control of our lives and work towards our life and leadership goals.  

Like therapy, the coaching relationship is completely confidential.