When Coaching Feels Like Therapy (But Isn’t)
What’s Really Happening in the First Coaching Session
Many times after a coaching session, usually the first, my clients will say, “Wow, I feel like I just had a therapy session,” when in reality we talked about their goals, identied their fears and explored their willingness to shape what’s next in their personal or professional journey.
In personal and professional growth, many people often wonder: Should I seek a coach or a therapist? The truth is, both are valuable, but I make sure to communicate the distinction between the two.
While coaching sometimes touches on past experiences, it focuses on the future. It helps you set and achieve specific goals, improve your performance, and unlock your full potential. As coaches, we are action-oriented, helping clients develop strategies, overcome challenges, and create forward momentum in their careers or personal lives.
Therapy, on the other hand, focuses on healing. It addresses mental health issues, unresolved emotional trauma, and deep-rooted psychological struggles. Therapists work with clients to understand their past, process emotions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to improve overall well-being.
Both coaching and therapy can play important roles in a person’s growth journey, but it’s essential to know when to seek which. Coaches are great for reaching your next level of success, while therapists are there to support emotional healing and mental health.
You can have both a coach and a therapist, depending on your needs at any given moment. By determining which is appropriate and when, you empower yourself to make lasting progress—whether that’s healing, growing, or thriving.
Remember, whether you invest in your professional career with a coach or your mental health with a therapist, both are efforts toward your growth.