What is the difference between coaching and psychotherapy?

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The Coaching space is different from mentoring, advising, consulting, and psychotherapy. This post highlights the key differences between coaching and psychotherapy.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) published a set of guidelines (click here to read ICF’s pdf) for coaches outlining when to refer a client to therapy.

Below is a summary from this paper on the differences between coaching and psychotherapy.

The main distinctions between coaching and psychotherapy are based on focus, purpose, and population.

COACHING

Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.1

FOCUS

  • Visioning
  • The present
  • Moving into the future

PURPOSE

  • Performance improvement
  • Learning
  • development

POPULATION

well-functioning individuals

ANALOGY

Athletic trainer

THERAPY

Therapy is 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 the participants deem desirable.2

FOCUS

  • Psychopathology
  • Emotions
  • The past in order to understand the present

PURPOSE

  • Dive into deep-seated emotional issues to work on personal healing or trauma recovery

POPULATION

Developing skills for managing emotions or past issues

ANALOGY

Medical doctor that specializes in sports medicine

Footnotes :

  1. As defined by the ICF
  2. As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA)
In summary, coaches and therapists both work with clients but have different skills, approaches, and goals. There will be some overlap. For example, a coach may explore a client’s past, family, and emotions to better understand the client’s present situation However, a coach does not diagnose or treat. If the client needs help that goes outside the scope of the coach’s training, they can and should make a referral to a qualified provider.
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