The Differences Between a Coach & a Therapist

Liz Saville
Jan 6
2 min read

When navigating personal or professional growth or tackling challenges, you might consider working with a professional to support you. Two common options are coaches and therapists. Some people confuse their roles or mistake them for being interchangeable. This blog is a quick (and simplified) guide to the key differences.

Like all things, there are nuances and exceptions. This overview is truly just a high-level cheat sheet for people to understand the general differences between these two professions and when you may turn to each.

While coaches and therapists share some similarities, their approaches, training, and goals differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.

The Role of a Coach

In general, a coach focuses on future-oriented goals and actionable strategies. They help individuals clarify their vision, develop plans, and build skills to achieve specific outcomes. Coaching often addresses topics such as career growth, leadership development, or personal goals like time management or confidence building.

Key characteristics of coaching include:

Goal-driven: Coaches emphasize achieving measurable results.
Present and future-focused: Coaching centers on where you are now and where you want to go.
Skill-building: Coaches provide tools and strategies to enhance performance or reach objectives.
Non-clinical: Coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

For instance, if you’re seeking a promotion at work or to figure out the next direction in your career, a coach can help you build leadership skills and develop a strategic plan to reach your goal.

The Role of a Therapist

Therapists are trained mental health professionals who help individuals address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Therapy often involves exploring past experiences to understand how they influence current feelings and behaviors.

Key characteristics of therapy include:

Healing-focused: Therapists aim to help clients resolve trauma, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, and foster emotional well-being.
Past and present-focused: Therapy delves into past experiences to identify patterns and sources of distress.
Clinically trained: Therapists hold licenses and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Holistic approach: Therapy often combines emotional exploration with practical coping strategies.

For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety or unresolved trauma, a therapist can help you process those emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Which One Is Right for You?

The choice between a coach and a therapist depends on your goals. If you’re looking to overcome mental health challenges or heal from past experiences, a therapist is likely the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re focused on achieving specific goals or enhancing performance in certain areas, a coach may be a better fit.

It’s also important to note that the two can complement each other. Some people work with both a therapist and a coach to address different aspects of their lives simultaneously. In fact, we really encourage this!

Ultimately, understanding the distinct roles of coaches and therapists can empower you to make the right choice for your personal journey.