Coaching vs. Therapy

I’m married to a psychologist.

Now that I’m coaching, we’ve been talking a lot about the similarities and differences between the two.

I get asked about this all the time.

The definitions aren’t black and white (and I’m not an expert on every type of therapy), but I can share a general summary.

Psychotherapy:

• Diagnoses a problem or disorder and works to address it

• Identifies parts of your personal history that created unhealthy patterns

• Educates and advises on mental frameworks

• Therapist is the expert

Coaching:

• Assumes creativity, resourcefulness, and wholeness of client

• Identifies personal values, inner wisdom, and purpose to guide decision-making

• Gives space and thought partnership to explore topics and plan action steps

• Coach and client are equal participants

Beyond the differences, we’ve identified amazing similarities.

• Both therapy and coaching are effective tools to move from a heady-intellectual-mode into a creative space for problem-solving.

• Both therapy and coaching imbue confidence in those who invest in their personal development.

• Both therapy and coaching protect time and space to build internal capacity.

And most surprising to me?  They even work great together.

• Talk to your therapist about the factory-settings from your childhood.

• Work with your coach on identifying your values that reflect you as an adult.

• Engage with your therapist about the strategies to manage anxiety.

• Build a metaphor with your coach to anticipate and alleviate anxiety at work.

• Practice with your therapist how to experience your emotions about a job transition at work

• Hire a coach to help you reconnect to your strengths to point your career in the direction of your dreams.