“Do I need a coach or a therapist?”
As a trauma-informed coach, I often hear this question from professionals who are feeling stuck and want support in reaching their goals. They wonder whether they should work with a coach, a therapist, or perhaps even both.
It’s a valid question, especially if you’ve never worked with either type of professional before. At first glance, the services they offer can seem quite similar.
While coaching and therapy do share some common ground, there are distinct situations in which one may be more appropriate than the other.
In this article, I’ll break down:
- The key similarities and differences between therapy and coaching
- How to determine whether you should hire a coach or a therapist (or even both)
- What you need to know before working with a coach on trauma-related issues
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which type of professional is best suited to help you.
Similarities Between Therapy And Coaching
Although therapists and coaches differ in many ways, which I cover later in this article, these also share key similarities:
- Client-Centered Empowerment: Both therapists and coaches prioritize a client-centered approach, empowering you to remain in control, often described as being in the “driver’s seat,” while they provide guidance and support.
- Brave Space: Therapists and coaches aim to create a “brave space” where you feel confident to explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and actions without judgment.
- Settings: Both therapy and coaching can take place one-on-one or in group settings, either virtually or in person.
- Skills Development: Both professionals can help you develop soft skills such as time management, effective communication, and enhanced emotional intelligence (EQ).
- Niches: Therapists and coaches often have specific areas of expertise or focus, allowing you to choose a professional who is suited to your unique needs and goals.
Ultimately, both therapists and coaches are helping professionals dedicated to supporting you in reflecting, gaining clarity, and achieving your personal and professional goals.
Differences Between Coaching And Therapy
While both therapists and coaches aim to help you achieve your goals, they often take different approaches. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Focus: Therapy typically prioritizes processing emotions and feelings, exploring and unpacking past experiences, and addressing mental health concerns. Coaching, on the other hand, often focuses on goal setting, planning, and taking action steps toward future objectives.
- Location: Therapists are licensed to practice only in the state(s) where they hold licensure, meaning they can only work with you if you live in those areas. Coaches, however, can work with you regardless of your location.
- Confidentiality: Therapists are legally bound to maintain confidentiality, under strict ethical and legal guidelines. While coaches often practice confidentiality, they are not legally required to do so unless they maintain another licensure that requires it.
- Scope: Therapists must operate within the scope of their licensure and training. Coaches have more flexibility to work on a wide range of topics but should ethically limit their services to areas where they have true expertise.
- Duration: Therapy is often long-term and open-ended, depending on the client’s needs. Coaching is typically shorter in duration and more time-limited. Exceptions exist for both therapy and coaching (e.g., short-term crisis counseling or long-term executive coaching engagements).
- Qualifications and Credentials: In the United States, therapists must earn an advanced degree, complete supervised clinical hours, and pass licensing exams. Coaching, however, is currently an unregulated profession, meaning that anyone can call themselves a coach regardless of education or training. That said, many reputable coaches pursue certifications and advanced training through coaching organizations.
- Cost: Therapists generally charge per session, while coaches may charge per session or offer packages that include multiple sessions or additional resources and support.
- Coverage: Therapy may be covered by insurance, while coaching may be paid for through professional development funds.
Whether you choose to work with a therapist or a coach depends on your specific goals and needs. Both professionals can provide valuable support in improving your career, relationships, and overall quality of life. You want to find the right fit for where you are in your growth journey.
Times To Hire A Mental Health Therapist
It’s essential that coaches work within their area of expertise and recognize when to refer a client to a mental health professional or other trained specialist.
Here are some situations where seeking the support of a licensed therapist or qualified mental health professional is crucial:
- Mental Health Evaluation or Diagnosis: You want to receive a formal mental health evaluation or diagnosis
- Feelings of Hopelessness: You have persistent feelings of hopelessness that interfere with your ability to function.
- Suicidal Ideation or Self-Harm: You are experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, or a current eating disorder.
- Recent Hospitalization: You have recently been hospitalized for a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder.
- Trauma Processing: You want support in processing a trauma. While a qualified coach may help you regulate your emotions and behaviors, they’re not trained to unpack and process trauma with you.
If you’re already receiving support from a therapist for one or more of the above, you may still be able to work with a coach. However, it’s important to be as transparent as possible with them about your current situation and mental health history so that they can help you determine whether coaching is appropriate for you at this time.
Note: If you’re experiencing active suicidal ideation, please seek immediate help by contacting a crisis hotline or emergency services in your area. You can dial 988 to access the free Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States (available 24 hours).
Times To Hire A Coach
As a coach specializing in tech executives, I’ve found that partnering with a coach can make sense in certain situations. Here are some examples where coaching may be the right fit for you:
- Goal-Focused Approach: You’re looking for a more directive, goal-oriented approach to achieve specific outcomes.
- Fresh Perspective: You’re seeking a new or different perspective to help you navigate challenges or opportunities.
- Skills Development: You want to gain tactical skills, such as writing your resume, using LinkedIn, or preparing for an executive interview, that fall outside the scope of therapy.
- Career & Leadership Assessments: You’d like to explore career and leadership assessments that a therapist doesn’t have access to.
- Professional Development Funds: You’d like to use your professional development funds, which often cover coaching but typically do not cover therapy.
[Read: What Is A Career Coach? (And How To Tell If You Need One)]
Coaching Vs. Therapy: An Important Clarification
It’s often said that therapists focus on the past while coaches focus on the future, but this is an oversimplification. Coaches can also support clients in addressing aspects of the past, present, and future.
That said, therapists tend to prioritize processing the present and past during sessions, particularly when addressing emotional or mental health concerns. Coaches, by contrast, typically focus on the present and future, emphasizing actionable steps and forward momentum.
Please note that every practitioner, whether a coach or therapist, is unique in their background, training, and approach. You must speak with potential practitioners individually to determine whether they are a good fit for your specific needs and goals.
Can A Coach Work With Trauma-Related Issues?
It’s a common misconception that coaches cannot support individuals with trauma.
In reality, I argue that coaching is more effective when a coach acknowledges and honors a client’s trauma. Trauma impacts everyone differently, and recognizing its presence can create a more supportive and empowering coaching relationship.
That said, coaching is an unregulated field, meaning anyone can call themselves a coach. An unqualified coach working with clients who have significant trauma can cause incredible harm.
When selecting a coach, ask about their familiarity and comfort with, and expertise in, working with trauma.
Very important: Look for someone who has advanced education and professional training beyond their own lived experience. While personal experience is valuable, it’s not a substitute for formal training and continuing education.
[Read: “What Is Executive Coaching?” Answered]
Can I Work With A Therapist And A Coach At The Same Time?
Yes, absolutely! Partnering with both a mental health therapist and a coach simultaneously can be a powerful way to accelerate your progress and growth. In fact, many of my clients come to me through referrals from their therapists.
It’s important to keep both your therapist and coach in the loop so that you can get the most out of this dual support. Open communication ensures you’re using your session time effectively, minimizes the risk of mixed messages, and enhances the overall support you receive.
You may want to schedule your meetings on alternating weeks so that you have time to reflect on each session, process the insights, and take meaningful action before diving into the next topic.
Is Career Coaching Covered By Insurance?
Career coaching is generally not covered by health insurance. However, your company may offer education or professional development funds that can cover some or all of the cost of working with a coach. Check with your manager or HR representative to see if your company can support this expense.
Final Thoughts
Please remember that many of these points will depend on the specific therapist or coach you’re considering. Every practitioner brings their unique approach and expertise to the table.
If you’d like to explore the possibility of working with me as your coach, you’re welcome to reach out or schedule a consultation.
I also maintain a long list of trusted therapists and coaches that I’m more than happy to share if I’m not the perfect fit or if you’d like to explore additional options. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
