Therapy versus Coaching - Which is Right for you?

Myriad theoretical and practical orientations exist for both psychotherapy and coaching, which can make the two seem to blur and difficult to elucidate. Based on my particular training and orientation in each, I would like to offer the following distinctions that apply in regard to how I work with clients in each area:

Coaching

  • Shorter-term (3-6 months), generally

  • Future-, solution-, behavior-, action-focused

  • Coaching plan & actionable goals and assignments towards specific areas of personal and professional growth and change (more targeted perspective)

  • Supports more through accountability and challenge

  • Akin to learning new gardening techniques and planting new types of seeds for growth of new plants within the garden

  • Costs of coaching may be covered by some health insurance HSA/FSAs, but generally is paid for out of pocket by client. Please see My Coaching Offerings page for more information.

Therapy

  • Longer-term (6-12 months or longer), generally

  • Focused on healing and on the relief of suffering

  • Treatment plan & quality-of-life focused goals (broader perspective)

  • Supports more through exploration of client’s inner world and relationship dynamics

  • Akin to tending to the soil itself and enriching it for overall healthier growth and well-being of the plants in the garden

  • Costs of therapy often covered by health insurance. Please see Fees & Insurance page for more information.

Please note:

Once we have started working together in either a coaching or a therapeutic relationship, if it becomes evident that you would benefit from support in the other area, I will refer you out to other resources to ensure that we do not come into a conflict in our specific relationship and the purpose of our work together.