Let’s discuss some of the differences between therapy and coaching. A therapist is a licensed mental health professional with a governing board and can only operate in the state both you and the therapist reside in. A therapist has at least a master’s degree in mental health or counseling, and many have doctorates. Therapists use scientific research and modalities and can diagnose a mental disorder and do assessments.

A therapist can also help you move forward in your life but usually digs up bones to get there, helping you understand why you do what you do. A therapist can help you by writing letters surrounding legal or reasonable accommodation issues. Most therapist have vast experiences with different clients using different modalities. Therapist also can help you with your family issues and all aspects of your life. Therapist are required to write notes about your session to document your progress. These issues can be revealed under certain circumstances by insurance companies and the courts by using a subpoena.

Coaching can be a free for all if you are not careful. Unlike Bo and Dr. Kat, some coaches have no formal training and possess no license, certification, or a governing board for oversight. Coaching is forward looking where therapy digs up bones. Coaching is unregulated with no minimum standards or required ongoing training. Coaches are not supposed to work with mental health problem. A good coach should send you to a qualified professional if a mental health issues arises. Coaches can help educate you on how to improve your performance, develop your potential, help you come up with solutions to your issues, provide direction and set goals.

It is important that you do your homework and vet anyone who you work with weather it is for therapy or coaching.

We have seen a lot of coaches overstep their bounds without proper training. Coaches cannot be therapist but most therapist make good coaches. Most therapist use coaching techniques in the therapy room along with therapeutic approaches. It all depends on what each individual needs. Since therapist have a deep and wide understanding of human behavior and trained on skills to bring out positive changes, you can get the best programs from a therapist who is a coach.

Therapists offer the best programs for coaching. Therapist usually have a more encompassing skill set than non-therapist coaches. Most coaches that are therapist use proven techniques that are tailored to your needs, helping you move forward toward the life you deserve.