Coaching vs therapy: how to choose the right support

Many people who search for a coach are not sure whether a coach or a therapist is the right person to talk to. Both work through conversation and both aim to help you live better, so the confusion is understandable. The difference lies mainly in focus, training and what each one is there to treat or develop.

What coaching is

The International Coaching Federation describes coaching as a partnership that helps clients maximise their personal and professional potential through a thought-provoking, creative process. In practice a coach helps you get clear on a goal, notice what is getting in the way and commit to concrete actions between sessions.

Coaching usually assumes that you are basically well and resourceful. It is future-focused: the main question is "where do you want to go and what will you do next?"

What therapy is

Counselling and psychotherapy are delivered by trained mental health professionals. They help people understand and recover from emotional difficulties, distress or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders or trauma. Therapy often explores the past to make sense of the present, and it can work with symptoms that coaching is not designed to treat.

A simple way to decide

• Choose coaching if you feel broadly OK but want to change something: a career move, confidence at work, leadership, better habits, exam preparation or a clearer direction.
• Choose therapy if low mood, anxiety, panic, trauma or grief are affecting your sleep, work or relationships most days, or if you are not sure you can keep yourself safe.
• Not sure? Start with your GP or a qualified therapist. A good coach will also tell you honestly if what you describe needs a different kind of support.

Can you have both?

Yes. Some people see a therapist for emotional recovery and a coach for practical goals at the same time. If you do, it helps to let both professionals know, so the work supports rather than overlaps.

Questions to ask a coach before you start

• What training and accreditation do you hold, and with which professional body?
• How do you handle situations that need therapy rather than coaching?
• How many sessions do clients usually need, and how will we measure progress?
• Do you work under a code of ethics and have supervision?

On Coaching Session you can filter coaches by ICF accreditation, read their training and approach on each profile and book a free introductory call with many of them before deciding.