What is the difference between coaching and therapy? 

Coaching

• There is never, ever a mental health diagnosis rendered by a coach
• Goal-oriented and results-driven
• Coaches can work with anybody, anywhere in the world
• The relationship is confidential but is not legally protected
• Not covered by insurance
• Can exist in addition to a relationship with a separate therapist

Therapy 

• Clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a mental health condition
• Overseen by regulatory agencies
• Clinicians can only work with people in the states where they are licensed.
• The relationship is legally protected 
• Treatment may be covered by insurance if the provider accepts insurance and is in the network.

So which one is right for you? 

There’s no hard and fast rule.  It really depends on the degree of distress in your life and how that distress is impacting your life.  My own bias is that when somebody struggles with major depression, a long-term relationship with a therapist is essential.  Same with any diagnosis that significantly impacts a person’s life or has the potential to.  

Another factor to consider is that a coach does not have to have any specific training. When it comes to your well-being or if you are doing deeply personal work, it is crucial that the person you are working with is trustworthy and adept.  The reality is that there are highly skilled-therapists and terrible coaches, and there are terrible therapists and highly skilled coaches.  

While there is some overlap between coaches and therapists, they are not the same.  Ultimately, it’s the relationship between you and the coach or therapist that matters.