It’s not intuitive to know which topics are for therapy and which are for coaching. In Part 1: What is the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching I talked about the distinctions. Simply, a question I like to ask people is “to what degree is this ‘issue’ impacting your life?” Sometimes that’ll give me a sense of what option may be best for the person.
Topics that may be better suited for therapy:
- Managing chronic, clinical anxiety, depression, bipolar, or other diagnosis.
- Complex trauma that impacts your daily functioning.
- Complex and/or unresolved loss and/or grief.
- Past and/or current substance abuse.
- Intimate partner, family, or animal violence, aging or differently abled persons neglect or abuse, or child neglect or abuse.
As we say in therapy, if your “activities of daily living” (ADLs) are impacted such as a) you are chronically missing work, b) you can’t get out of bed in the mornings, c) you are using substances to get through the day, d) you struggle to take care of your personal hygiene, e) you’ve lost weight or gained weight, or f) you’re losing friends and family due to the chronic nature of your challenges then therapy is probably the best decision right now. It doesn’t mean you can’t get coaching but wait until you are able to function with more vigor. It’s kinda like rehabbing your torn ACL before you get back in the game. If you come back too soon, you’ll likely re-injure yourself. Time, healing, and patience is on your side and will pay off!
Topics that may be better suited for coaching:
- You want to clarify your goals and/or values.
- You want to achieve a goal, but don’t know how or need help.
- You know a better or more fulfilling life is possible and need help getting there.
- Unhelpful patterns that are interfering with success.
- You self-sabotage.
- You want new or different strategies for navigating life more effectively.
Issues people go to coaching for: 1) help with stress from work, relationships, life, 2) a desire to achieve goals and needing guidance to do so, 3) overcoming blocks, patterns, or other barriers to living their dreams, 4) increase tools, strategies, and practices to live with more ease, 5) and more!
These topics are NOT exhaustive. They are a few examples. So, if you’re questioning which topic is right for therapy or coaching, just ask!
An important thing to remember: Not all coaches are counselors. Not all counselors are coaches. As a therapist and coach, I can speak to each with the formal trainings and experience in practice behind me. I’m also someone who’s received both — so, it’s a huge bonus to have experienced it as a client! Because I have that background, it makes what I offer unique. It’s comprehensive, holistic, and person-centered because you matter and deserve excellent care!
So, please refer to Part 1: What is the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching to know what the differences are and how to help.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Common misconceptions about therapy and coaching. You’ll get the inside scoop of things most people mistake about therapy and/or coaching.
Lighting the Path 