Coaching vs. Therapy: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

We often hear a popular distinction between professional coaching and psychotherapy: therapy focuses on the past, while coaching looks from the present into the future. While this is broadly accurate, such a significant topic calls for a deeper and more satisfying explanation—especially since it's also an ethical matter.

First of all, there are many different therapy schools, and it’s impossible to categorize them all under one umbrella. Some therapeutic approaches—unlike traditional ones—also focus on the client's present and future, just like coaching. For example, Solution-Focused Therapy supports clients in setting goals and working towards them. Similarly, in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the focus is on the client’s current thoughts, intending to create behavioral change. So, it would be misleading to reduce the difference between coaching and psychotherapy to whether or not they focus on the past.

So, when should therapy be preferred over coaching? In summary, any situation involving trauma or trauma-related challenges falls within the scope of professional psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Trauma is a serious and specialized field—even many therapists may not be fully equipped to handle it. Professional coaches, unless they have additional qualifications, are not competent to work in trauma-related areas. To be specific, conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addictions, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, phobias, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders are all within the domains of psychiatry and psychotherapy. The same goes for grief and depression, whether trauma-related or not. In cases of severe depression involving suicidal thoughts, it is critical to contact a trustworthy psychiatrist immediately.

In some situations, therapy and coaching can be pursued in parallel. What matters most is having a clear understanding of the boundaries between disciplines and choosing the right support accordingly. A professional coach who is both competent and ethically grounded will be able to recognize if therapy is needed and will guide you to seek that support. This is why choosing the right coach is so important. During your Chemistry Session, feel free to ask about the coach’s competencies and ethical approach to help you decide who to work with.

If you have any questions or experiences you'd like to share regarding coaching vs. therapy, feel free to comment below 🌱

Note: This article is written from a coaching perspective and does not aim to replace professional medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please seek support from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.