Coaching and Therapy - What's the Difference?

You may be wondering what the difference is between coaching and therapy. There are some differences between the two, as well as common myths. In this article, you will learn the benefits of each type of therapy and explore the differences. Also, read on to discover the common misconceptions about each type of therapy. Using a professional to resolve your personal issues can help you achieve the goals you set out to achieve. Whether or not therapy is right for you depends on your goals and the situation you're trying to resolve. Visit Kindercoach to read more.

Differences between coaching and therapy

Many people confuse coaching with therapy. However, both have similar goals: improving the clients' present and future. Therapy typically deals with past experiences, whereas coaching focuses on the present. Both are focused on helping the client move forward, develop their personal and professional goals, and address their emotional needs. As such, they often overlap. Below are some key differences between the two types of therapy. And read on for a closer look at each type!

A major difference between therapy and coaching is focus. Therapy focuses on "why" rather than "what." Therapists work with people who are struggling with serious psychological disorders, such as depression, addiction, and schizophrenia. Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on what is happening right now. For example, in therapy, the person seeking help is typically dealing with serious trauma like childhood sexual abuse or a life-threatening illness. Both types of therapy can help the client heal, but coaching is more focused on the individual's goals and objectives.

Benefits of coaching and therapy

One of the main differences between coaching and therapy is that a coach focuses on the client's "source material" rather than the person's personal life. A therapist, on the other hand, will focus on the client's "source material" and explore ways to resolve or transform it. While the goal of both types of therapy is the same, coaching aims to improve a person's mental state, rather than treat an individual's symptoms.

A coach develops a co-creative relationship with his or her client, and believes that the client possesses innate strengths. A coach may use strategies to support a client's process, such as active listening and questioning to tap into their wisdom. They may also hold the client accountable for achieving his or her goals. In both cases, the coach may be more intrusive than a therapist, but this is not the case in most instances.

Common misconceptions about coaching and therapy

There are several common myths about coaching and therapy. The first one is that these two approaches are not interchangeable. While a coach's approach is more goal-oriented, a therapist's focus is often more subjective and open-ended. Coaches often focus on strengths and development, while therapists tend to focus on psychopathology and past experiences. Coaches are more likely to work toward clients' personal goals than to treat "severely disturbed" clients.

Another common myth is that a coach must be a licensed psychotherapist. This isn't true. Psychotherapists are highly trained in their field, and a coach does not have to be one. Coaches, however, have a distinct skill set and do not need to be licensed as a therapist. They are separate professions, but complement one another. While some coaches are also therapists, it's important to know the difference between a coach and a therapist.