Coaching or therapy: which one do you need?

When life feels heavy, it can be hard to know who to talk to. Friends mean well, but they have their own opinions. So you start looking for professional support, and quickly run into two words: coaching and therapy. They can sound similar. They are not the same.

What therapy does

Therapy, or counselling, is provided by trained mental health professionals. It can help you understand and heal from the past, work through trauma or grief, and manage conditions such as depression and anxiety. A therapist is trained to assess and treat mental health concerns.

What coaching does

Coaching looks forward. It starts from where you are today and asks: where do you want to be, and what is the next step? A coach helps you get clear on your goals, notice what is getting in your way, and turn your intentions into action.

Coaching works best when you are generally coping with daily life, but feel stuck, overwhelmed or ready for a change.

A simple way to decide

Ask yourself a few questions:

• Am I mostly looking back, or looking forward? If you need to understand and recover from something painful in your past, therapy may be the better fit. If you want help deciding what to do next, coaching may suit you.
• Is this affecting my ability to get through the day? If you are struggling to sleep, eat, work or look after yourself, please speak to a doctor or a qualified mental health professional first.
• Do I want a plan? Coaching is practical. Most sessions end with a clear step for you to take.

Can you have both?

Yes. Many people see a therapist for their mental health and a coach for a specific goal, such as a career change or a difficult family conversation. The two can complement each other well.

If you are unsure

It is fine not to know which one you need. Send a message and describe what is going on. If coaching is not the right fit, I will tell you honestly and suggest where else to look.

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services straight away.