Coaching vs Therapy: Finding the Best Path for You.

“What’s the difference between Coaching and Therapy?” Linda asked me on a recent Coaching Discovery Call..  

It’s a question I get asked a lot. 

The intention is different- coaching is future-focussed whereas therapy (or counselling) generally looks backward to an event or situation that’s already happened.

Coaching plans and moves you towards a goal -it helps you change and get new results in any area you’ve felt stuck in or when a lack of confidence has held you back. It’s helps you finally release unhealthy patterns for good.  As a coach, it’s often my role to give my clients that ‘sacred Yes’ that’s been missing in their lives and in their own mind. 

Yes. You. Can.

My clients come to me saying things like - “I want to start dating again but I’m scared." Or “I want to finally lose this weight and I mean it this time. I am sick of circling in leggings and clothes I hate.” And "I’ve been drinking too much lately and I’m worried. I need this to change.”

What is Coaching and who’s it for? 

Coaches can help you achieve things you otherwise wouldn’t alone. They save you time and money by getting to the nub of the issue you’re dealing with and providing the crucial support, stretch and accountability that changes everything. 

I help my clients identify the mindset patterns and triggers which lead to self sabotage and provide private support that sees them thinking differently and showing up for themselves like never before. They have boosted self esteem and a confidential ally with a plan that’s just for them.

When to get Counselling (Therapy.)

I think of therapy as generally WHY focussed - looking at what needs to happen to help you heal wheres coaching is WHAT focused -asking what needs to happen to move you forward.

Therapy is appropriate for treating things like chronic long term grief, trauma or depression although some of my coaching clients have suffered from depression, trauma or grief in the past.  All of these are therapy issues so if you are currently experiencing this, I recommend counselling instead of coaching.

When to get a Coach

When you want to get out of a rut; finally ditch a habit you’re sick of, or boost your confidence, coaching’s a game changer.

Sick of your lifestyle or a behaviour you can’t stop? Sick of your routines, rut and habits? Need an ally on your team to make some big, scary changes? 

Coaching’s for you. 

Coaching gives you the power to take scary, imperfect action even if you lack time, confidence or know- how!

Some Great Coaching Questions to Ponder This Week

If I was the bravest version of myself I would …. 

What do you wish you were doing that you’re not doing? 

What are you doing when you honour yourself ? 

Next week, I’ll share a cool coaching tool that helps you let go of stuff that stresses you out, drains your batteries and wears you down. Use this tool to boost your mood, lighten your load and give you mental and physical energy to get more of what matters done.

Until then, know this.

I Believe In You.

Make this week count.

Elizabeth x