Purpose:

• Coaching focuses on setting and achieving personal or professional goals.

• Therapy addresses mental health issues and emotional healing.

• Time Frame:

  • Coaching is typically short-term and goal-oriented.

  • Therapy can be short or long-term, depending on the complexity of the issues.

• Approach:

  • Coaching is future-focused, emphasizing action plans and accountability.

  • Therapy often explores past experiences to understand current challenges.

• Client Conditions:

  • Coaching is suited for individuals functioning well but seeking growth or improvement.

  • Therapy is designed for individuals experiencing significant mental health concerns or emotional difficulties.

• Professional Training and Licensing:

  • Therapists have specialized training and licenses to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

  • Coaches may have certifications but are not licensed to provide clinical diagnoses or treatment.

• Scope:

  • Coaching tends to be performance and skill development-oriented.

  • Therapy focuses on healing psychological pain, trauma, and behavioral issues.

• Confidentiality and Ethics:

  • Both maintain confidentiality, but therapists follow strict legal and ethical guidelines related to client care.

  • Coaches follow ethical standards but are not bound by the same legal requirements as therapists.

• Techniques Used:

  • Coaching uses motivational interviewing, goal-setting frameworks, and accountability strategies.

  • Therapy employs clinical techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed care.