Coach or Therapist? What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between a coach and a therapist?

Coaching and therapy are two different approaches to helping individuals to improve their lives.

Coaching is the process of helping individuals to explore, identify and develop solutions to challenges, goals, and life issues. Coaches provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can identify and work on life and career goals. Coaches may offer guidance and advice, but the focus is on helping clients find answers and solutions on their own.

The educational background of coaches can vary widely, though many therapists also offer coaching as a service.  Coaches can see people regardless of location.  Many coaches have completed a training program to be able to provide guidance or support in an area of life.  Coaches are typically private pay.

Therapy is a more structured approach to helping people deal with psychological issues, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties. The therapist's role is to provide insight, understanding, and tools to help clients gain clarity, insight and understanding about their lives and to work through the issues and concerns that have caused distress. This process is often based in a specific therapeutic approach, with the therapist providing guidance and support.

Therapists will provide more clinical insight and may be able to bill your insurance.  Therapists will have at least a master’s degree and be trained specifically to assist you with symptoms or life stressors.  Therapists must be licensed in the state you reside in to work with you.

Contact us today if you’re looking for support! Being Human Group offers both therapy and coaching packages.