Warning! There is not a short answer to this question. This is partly because there are a lot of similarities between coaching and therapy and partly because different therapists use different therapeutic orientations and different coaches have  different training and use different approaches. Just within either the field counseling or coaching, it is not like comparing just apples to apples, but comparing Galas to Galas, Honeycrisps to Honeycrisps, Fujis to Fujis, etc… However, I’m going to give my best interpretation of the main differences. These are my interpretations based on my education and training; it may differ from others and I am not speaking in absolutes here.

1. EDUCATION: In counseling/therapy you are working with a licensed mental health professional able to diagnose mental health conditions, and holding a license in the state in which they practice.  They, at a minimum, will have completed a Masters degree along with 2-3,000 supervision hours, and yearly continuing education required to maintain their license.  As a result of holding this license therapists will be held to stricter ethics and boundaries than someone who is solely a coach.

A coach does not have to have any training at all under the law; but most likely has been to some kind of coach training program.  You could walk out your door right now, say you are a coach, and that’s it.  However, there are a few national and international organizations that offer certifications to regulate the standards of coaching.  The primary body certifying coach training programs and levels of coaching recognized as the “gold standard” for coaching is the International Coaching Federation.  You want to consider a coach’s education, training and experience. The ICF does set ethical standards for coaches.

2. PRACTICE MODEL: Therapist training comes from a medical model where there is a diagnosis and treatment goals for a particular problem or mental health condition.  Most likely an assessment, diagnosis, and measurable treatment goals will be created, particularly if you are using insurance for payment.  The therapist/client relationship can be collaborative, but there is an underlying assumption of the therapist being the expert on the issues to be addressed, thus creating the differential in the therapist/client relationship. The clinician’s therapeutic orientation, will guide the focus on how your problems are approached and goals are reached.

Life coaching is largely future-oriented, could address positive or negative breakdowns, may or may not be goal-directed, is more likely to address existential issues, and includes learning about your way of being.  It can be quicker and produce deep and lasting change.  This could be due to coaching’s focus on second order learning, on the basis of which the coachee is changing themselves. Another reason for this could be because the coaching client is typically one functioning well in life already, but wants to excel in some area or what they are up to is a more authentic, self-authoring life, and learning to be their most effective self in any area they choose. If you engage in personal coaching there will not be a psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, or treatment plan because inherently by coaching, there is nothing wrong with you.  The issues discussed are what the coachee brings in as their concerns and the coachee will draw upon their own resourcefulness to make change. The coach/coachee relationship is one of collaboration and partnership in which the locus of control is with the coachee.

3. CLIENT NEED: People with a  range of psychological issues may come to counseling.  This can vary from depression to anxiety, other mood disorders, relationship difficulties, trauma, abuse, difficulty adjusting to a life change, trouble in school functioning, and family or origin issues.  These issues are likely impacting their ability to function in life.

Most people will benefit from personal coaching. People appropriate for coaching tend to be functioning well overall. For example, they may feel anxious or depressed, but are able to get along on a day to day basis. While they might be experiencing difficult moods and emotions, they are not suffering from a serious mental health condition.  They could be generally happy in life, but sense there is something more, knowing they are living in their comfort zone.  They may have something they want to achieve or be different in their life.  Further, there is an entire area of coaching intended for executives and leaders, who tend to be highly driven and action-oriented and want help in their endeavors.  Other people may want to address their purpose in life, troublesome relationships, or moving past barriers in life.

4. DIFFERENT DISTINCTIONS: You know how when you go to a doctor you are likely to get medicine, and if you go to a chiropractor you are likely to get an adjustment, or if you go to a physical therapist you are likely to get stretching and exercises. The same deal applies to therapy and coaching. The professional is going to work from their distinctions and knowledge. Therapists will work with you from a psychological perspective and share information from the field of psychology and other closely related areas that may be helpful to your issue. Coaches will share distinctions or information from their particular coach training. In my training, based on the study of your way of being in the world, distinctions shared include language, mood and emotions, and body.