Have you ever wondered about the differences or similarities between coaching and counseling, and if you (or someone you love) need either?
There are so many myths about coaching and counseling that it is hard to know which is the best option to support your healing and growth.
So let’s bust the myths and give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision possible!
Myth #1: Counseling is only for those who are struggling and can’t fix themselves, while coaching is for those who are stuck and can’t move forward.
Truth #1: Both coaching and counseling provide great solutions for anyone who is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. Growth happens when an individual can identify what is holding them back and develop the skills for moving forward with resiliency.
Myth #2: You have to have a mental health diagnosis to see a therapist but a coach is not concerned about a diagnosis.
Truth #2: A therapist is trained to recognize symptoms and conduct assessments to draw a conclusion about a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan to help you move into emotional health. However, the concern isn’t about the label, but rather the solution! A coach can not diagnose, but based on their training and experience, they should know when to offer referrals to professional mental health clinicians and wrap-around support services.
Myth #3: You have to talk about your past in a counseling session but only the future in coaching.
Truth #3: There is so much insight to be gained by understanding how your past has shaped your beliefs and values, which is key to moving forward into emotional and relational health. As a result, a therapist and coach will both want to explore the past to understand you best and help you find the healing and growth you desire.
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between coaching and counseling, so how do you know what is the best option? It really comes down to finding the best fit for your personality, time, and resources.
Would You Benefit from Coaching or Counseling?
As a seasoned mental health professional with training and certification as both a coach and clinical counselor, I’d be happy to connect with you to help you discern the best services to meet your needs.
