Differences Between Coaching and Therapy
Relationship coaching is a professional client-focused service where an individual or couple is assumed to be healthy, powerful, and able to achieve relationship goals with effective support, information, and guidance. There are significant and sometimes contrasting differences between therapy and coaching, and these differences in and of themselves better highlight the strengths of coaching.
Comparison of Coaching and Therapy
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Therapy
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Coaching
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| Assumes the client needs healing |
Assumes the client is whole |
| Roots in medicine, psychiatry |
Roots in sports, business, personal growth venues |
| Works with people to achieve self-understanding and emotional healing |
Works to move people to a higher level of functioning |
| Focuses on feelings and past events |
Focuses on actions and the future |
| Explores the root of problems |
Focuses on solving problems |
| Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness |
Works with the conscious mind |
| Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns |
Works for external solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement effective choices |
Adapted from Hayden and Whitworth, 1995
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