If you’ve spent just about any time at all in the mental health space of Instagram, Threads, or TikTok, chances are you have come across a variety of providers in their respective fields. And that means, in most cases, you have encountered licensed therapists as well as a variety of coaches (such as life coaches, spiritual coaches, body image coaches, confidence coaches, and more).
Let’s face it: we live in a world where mental illness, deep trauma, and personal development are becoming increasingly mainstream terms that a majority of the population is familiar with, even if they are still stigmatized against it. As a result, however, the terms “therapy” and “coaching” have become more frequently tossed around interchangeably. While the two modalities share some similarities, these two systems of support actually serve two distinct purposes and operate in different ways. The confusion between the differences can leave people wondering which path is right for their own needs. So, let’s clear up the differences and explore how these two approaches can actually complement each other.
What is Therapy?
Therapy (aka psychotherapy) is a clinical treatment focused on healing, processing, and managing mental health challenges.[1] Licensed therapists have extensive education in psychology or counseling (typically at a master’s or doctoral level) and clinical training and have worked thousands of hours to become licensed by their state to practice. In most cases, A therapist aims to help you not only understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors but also process those feelings and thoughts through the deep exploration of your past experiences and how they affect your present life.
Therapy, in practice, works to address specific mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders, among many other diagnoses and conditions. The work can be deep and oftentimes uncomfortable, with the therapist generally following evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific needs.
What is Coaching?
Coaching, on the other hand, is a future-focused practice where you work in partnership with a coach specialized in a specific area or modality to improve that specific focus area directly.[2] This area is often either in favor of personal or professional growth. There are a variety of areas when it comes to coaching, but there are still similarities among them–coaches aim to help you identify your goals, overcome obstacles, and create action steps to move forward toward those goals.
While several coaches do undergo specific certification, licensing, and/or training programs in their field, the coaching industry is far from regulated in the same way as therapy. Technically, anyone can call themselves a coach if they feel they have the knowledge and understanding to coach others. This is one of the main reasons why it is extremely important to do your research when working with a provider, especially in the unregulated coaching industry.
Coaches usually work with clients who maintain a level of stability regarding their mental illness or other conditions. However, these clients often seek to improve specific areas of their lives–whether that be career advancement, relationship skills, time management, or personal goal achievement. The focus is less on healing past wounds and traumas and much more on strategizing for future success.
Key Differences Between Therapy and Coaching
The most fundamental difference between “therapy” and “coaching” lies in the focus: therapy centers on healing past experiences, traumatic wounds, and mental health, while coaching focuses forward with an emphasis on growth and achievement.
Here are other key distinctions:
- The Scope of Work: Therapists are rigorously trained to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health conditions and are then licensed to do so. Coaches are not trained or licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
- The Timeline of the Partnership: Therapy is most often an open-ended and process-focused experience. Meanwhile, with coaching, the partnership frequently follows a more structured, goal-oriented timeline that can exist within a specified timeline.
- The Direction of Focus: Therapy often explores the history of a person’s past to understand their present circumstances. Coaching primarily looks at the present for reference and then builds forward, moving toward the future.
- The Provider’s Credentials: Therapists must have specific degrees, supervised clinical hours, and state licensure. Coaches’ credentials can vary widely with no universal standard or overseeing regulation.
The Accessibility of Care
Both therapy and coaching can present accessibility challenges, though usually in different ways. Therapy may be covered by insurance, making it financially accessible for some. However, finding a therapist with openings, particularly one who understands your specific identity or concerns, can involve long waitlists, incompatibility, or lack of local availability.
On the other hand, Coaching, while rarely covered by insurance, sometimes offers more flexibility with sliding scale rates and typically has shorter wait times for initial sessions. Some coaches also specialize in working with specific communities or identities that may be underserved in traditional therapeutic settings.
I know far too many folks who have spent months or years trying to find a therapist who met their most basic needs–like accepting their insurance, understanding Queer identities, and/or specializing in trauma-informed practices. Some people, while they are searching for a credible therapist, may turn to work 1:1 with a coach who may be more readily available and equipped to help them navigate the immediate challenges they’re facing.
How Therapy and Coaching Can Work Alongside Each Other
One of the best benefits of therapy and coaching being similar is that they complement one another in their approach to comprehensive care. When used appropriately, these two support systems can actually work well together.
This might involve a therapist helping a person process long-standing trauma or anxiety while a coach helps that person implement practical strategies to advance in their career. Another example is that a person may work with a therapist during a mental health crisis and then transition to working with a coach as they regain the stability and desire to focus on forward growth and development. Lastly, some people can or want to maintain both relationships simultaneously, addressing different aspects of their lives with each provider.
Should You Choose a Therapist or a Coach?
It’s not always an easy or black-and-white decision whether to see a therapist or coach when looking for the right provider to fit your needs. While some delineations are easier—if you want to work on processing past trauma, seeking out a therapist would most often be the right fit—that doesn’t mean it always works that way. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re in this situation to help you determine whether a therapist or a coach might be the right one for you:
- Are you dealing with active and distressing symptoms of a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or trauma? → Therapy
- Are you generally feeling emotionally stable but want help reaching specific personal or professional goals? → Coaching
- Do you need someone who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions? → Therapy
- Are you looking for accountability and strategies to move toward defined objectives? → Coaching
Remember, there is absolutely no shame in seeking either form of support. Many people benefit from both therapy and coaching at different points in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Both therapy and coaching offer valuable and much-needed paths to well-being, stability, and growth, just through different approaches and with varying purposes. By having a deeper understanding of the distinction between the two, you are better able to find the right support for your specific needs.
Whether you’re healing past wounds or building new dreams—or both—reaching out for professional support and guidance is a sign of strength and self-care that will transform your journey.
Whatever path you choose, the most important step is reaching out for the support you deserve.
If you’re looking for other articles I’ve written for QueerPsych, you can find them here! Or, if you want to talk more about this topic, I’d be happy to chat with you in my DMs on Instagram. You can find me at @thefriendineverwanted.
Sources
[2] Understanding the Difference Between a Coach and a Therapist
