Coaching or Therapy? A Guide to Choosing

There is a common distinction made between professional coaching and psychotherapy: psychotherapies focus on the past, while professional coaching looks at the present and future. While this distinction is generally correct, such an important topic requires deeper and more satisfying explanations. This is also crucial because it is an ethical issue.

A closer look at the difference

Firstly, there are many different therapeutic approaches, and it is not possible to categorize them all. Some therapeutic approaches, unlike traditional therapies, focus on the client’s current situation and future, just like coaching, rather than on past issues. For example, Solution-Focused Therapies, one of these approaches, supports the client in setting goals and moving toward them. Similarly, in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the client’s current thoughts are worked on to make behavioral changes. Therefore, reducing the difference between professional coaching and psychotherapy simply to focusing on the past or not seems inaccurate.

When therapy is the right choice

So, when should therapy definitely be preferred over coaching? In short, all situations involving trauma and trauma-related issues fall under the expertise of psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Trauma is a distinct and very serious area of expertise that even all therapists may not be proficient in; professional coaches have no expertise in the trauma field unless they have specific training. To be more specific, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, phobias, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, etc., fall under the domain of psychiatry and therapy. Whether trauma-related or not, conditions like grief and depression are also handled by these disciplines. Lastly, in cases of severe depression involving suicidal thoughts, immediate consultation with a reliable psychiatrist is necessary.

When coaching and therapy work together

In some cases, therapy and coaching can be taken together. The important thing is to clearly understand the distinctions between the disciplines and make the right choice based on the need. A professional coach who is competent and adheres to ethical principles will recognize if you need therapy and will share this with you, suggesting you seek therapy. Therefore, your choice of coach is very important. During your Chemistry Session, you can ask questions about your coach’s competence and ethical approach, and make your decision based on this.

For more detailed information on what professional coaching is and how it differs from other disciplines, you can visit the “What is Coaching? What You Need to Know” page.