The Difference Between Coaching & Counseling
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked, “what’s the difference between coaching and counseling?”
I’d be rich and living in a cabin in the woods.
Back when I started school, “coaching” wasn’t very popular—I had no idea it existed. I went to college and then graduate school for counseling, thinking this was how I’d get to do what I wanted to do. But after graduate school I found out about coaching and, well, you could say I got a little curious.
Now as a licensed mental health counselor, mind-body coach, and certified personal trainer, I can now say I understand that question better. For starters, I think the most important idea to note is:
At the root, counseling and coaching provide a relationship unlike any other; focused on supporting your health, your wellness, and your growth.
But, there are still some differences that can (and should) affect the decision to seek out a counselor versus a coach. Here are some of those differences:
Education/Training
One of the major differences between coaching and counseling is the amount of education required to practice. Most states require a counselor (or therapist) to have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in counseling, therapy, or social work. These degree programs include classes on human development, human sexuality, family systems, counseling practices, and ethics. Most importantly, counselors also have education regarding mental disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some counselors/therapists even choose to specialize in a specific population or disorder, like eating disorders, personality disorders, etc.
These programs also include some type of practicum/internship where the student is closely supervised by a professor and/or a seasoned counselor. I personally went through 2 years of coursework, a semester of practicum, and then a year of internship before graduating. After graduation, I completed two more years of supervision under a counselor to ensure I was practicing appropriately.
To become a coach, I didn’t have to go through any of that. In fact, overall, coaches have significantly less education requirements and, in most states, anyone can decide they want to be a coach and call themselves a coach. Many coaches pursue some type of training (reading books, weekend workshops, online programs) but this is not a requirement.
Service Objectives
The objective of counseling is to help people address and resolve problems, usually (but not always) related to their past.
The objective of coaching is to help people achieve their goals. I should mention that it is presumed clients are in a good place mentally and emotionally, ready for guidance and instruction.
In short,
Counseling takes a person from bad to good. Coaching takes a person from good to great.
Ethics & Boundaries
Counselors are legally required to have very strict boundaries around their relationships with clients, always maintaining confidentiality and the client’s best interest. There is no regulation in the coaching industry, so ethical standards for coaches can vary tremendously.
For example, an ethical counselor would never enter into a counseling relationship with someone they knew personally and they would never meet with a client in a public setting. They would also never share information without permission (except in cases where physical harm is a concern or records are subpoenaed in court).
A coach is not bound by any of these rules.
The Approach
Counselors are typically trained not to give advice and instead help clients come to their own solutions. While some forms of counseling are very “non-directive” (client led, lots of talking about the past) other forms are more “directive” and action-oriented (Solution-focused, CBT, EFT, EMDR).
Coaches tend to be more direct; offering advice, finding solutions, and how to implement everything.
The Takeaway
The need of the client will always reflect who they should go to. Someone wanting to reflect on their past, their mental health, their ability to cope, should choose a therapist.
Someone wanting help in meeting their goals should choose a coach.
And, it’s okay to choose both!