What is the difference between Psychotherapy and Coaching?
There are many definitions for Psychotherapy and Coaching. In this article, we will look at the definitions created by two of the major associations that were founded to advance both professions.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines psychotherapy as “the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that participants deem desirable.”
The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
The main differences between psychotherapy and coaching have to do the the focus, purpose, population and who elicits the change.
Therapists: A therapist’s primary focus is addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. They help client’s process emotions and past experiences while supporting personal development and behavior changes. The therapist’s purpose is to promote healing and self-awareness while equipping clients with coping strategies and life skills in order to facilitate lasting positive change and improved quality of life. Therapists work with a wide rage of populations, such as individuals, couples, groups and special populations like survivors of abuse, LGBTQ+ indivduals, veterans, those in recovery from addictions and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Change is lead by the therapist through many different therapeutic modalities, for example, EMDR or CBT.
Coaches: A coach’s primary focus is guiding clients toward holistic well-being by helping them to connect with their core values and inner motivation; build confidence in making sustainable lifestyle changes; cultivate emotional resilience, self-trust, and a sense of empowerment; and align their health goals with a deeper sense of purpose which often includes mental, emotional, physical, and sometimes spiritual health - depending on the coach’s training. A coach’s purpose is to empower clients to take ownership of their well-being; facilitate long-term, values-based transformation rather than short-term fixes; support clients in overcoming internal barriers such as fear, self-doubt and guilt while helping clients to develop sustainable habits that reflect self-worth and personal truth. Unlike a therapist, the coach’s role is not to treat mental illness but to hold a forward-focused, collaborative space for growth and empowerment. Coaches work with individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their purpose; people navigating transitions (career, motherhood, aging, post-illness recover); men and women seeking to break patterns of self-neglect or burnout and clients desiring a more intentional, values-driving approach to life and health.
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