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Disclaimer: Considering there are many varieties within therapy and coaching, this is quite a complex topic. In this post I'm merely stating my views considering classic psychotherapy versus co-active coaching.
The reason I wanted to write this blog post is to give people a clearer picture of when they are most likely to benefit from therapy, and when they are most likely to benefit from coaching.
I've had both peers and clients struggle to understand the difference between the two, and therefore have difficulty making the right choice for themselves.
Of course, the decision is highly personal. My aim with this blog post is simply to make it a little easier for you to choose the most beneficial service for you.
The Baseline Of Normal Human Functioning
While I was going through my training with the Co-Active Training Institute, confusion around the difference between therapy and coaching came up a few times among the group.
Especially since we as coaches are also taught to hold space for emotions, and take into consideration influences from a client's past throughout sessions.
One of the co-leaders of our first module, a Master Certified Coach and former therapist, sketched out a simple yet powerful drawing for us. To me, this was the most clarifying image of when clients typically seek therapy, and when they typically seek coaching.
Additional Notes
The lower and middle X marks represent where people currently view themselves to be. Based on where they view themselves, they choose to seek either therapy or coaching.
The middle X mark also represents where people who seek therapy aim to get.
The top X mark represents where people who seek coaching aim to get. Their aim lies above their baseline, as they strive to achieve their full, unique potential; whatever that may look like for them.
There is a general concept of what the baseline of normal human functioning looks like, of course. But we all have our own, personal, definition of that baseline, too.
After all -- we're all different, wonderfully unique human beings. We each have our own preferred lifestyle, based on our personal quirks, wants and needs.
A general definition of "normal" that applies to everyone simply doesn't exist.
What matters here is, where in relation to YOUR definition of the baseline of normal human functioning do you consider yourself to be?
People who consider themselves to fall below their baseline tend to seek therapy.
People who consider themselves at their baseline tend to seek coaching, because they want to reach an envisioned place above their baseline.
Nobody can more accurately decide which service would be most beneficial to you, than you.
You know yourself, your personal struggles and your goals, better than anyone else. Plus, seeking either form of support should (ideally) always be voluntary -- otherwise it's futile.
A hard fact is that unless you are willing to do the work, you are not going to reap the benefits of either service.
*I say ideally always voluntary, because in some instances -- to protect people from harming themselves or others -- they are committed to therapeutic facilities against their will.
When Is Therapy Beneficial?
If you are struggling with a mental or emotional disorder that is impacting your ability to function normally in life.
In other words, if you feel like you have fallen below your baseline of normal human functioning.
The main purpose of therapy is treatment, healing and providing various tools to manage various mental and emotional disorders. Therapy helps patients get to their baseline of normal human functioning in life.
And let me tell you, a good therapist is absolutely priceless.
They hold space for the darkest parts of your lived experience. They focus on healing at the root of your issues as well as self-regulation, which allows you to take back control and get back to that baseline.
Investing in therapy to work through several traumas from my past is one of the most challenging things I've ever done, and simultaneously one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Honestly, I feel like every single person could benefit from some (good) therapy.
I know that finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating ("Ugh", I know), and you may need to try out a bunch of different therapists to find your perfect match...
But once you do -- damn, is it worth it.
When Is Coaching Beneficial?
If you feel like you are living life at your baseline of normal human functioning, but you have
aspirations
ambitions
goals
a vision
that feel just beyond reach.
The main purpose of coaching is to serve clients on their journey to self-realization.
Self-realization (noun: self-realisation): fulfillment of one's own potential.
Whether there are external challenges you are facing, or limiting beliefs that are holding you back; coaching is where you explore it all.
It's a safe space where you increase your self-awareness around the vision you want to make reality, the core values that lie beneath your behaviors, and what is holding you back from reaching your goals.
Sprinkle some accountability into that equation, and you've got the golden formula for an incredibly empowering coach-client relationship.
That is not to say coaching does not involve exploring difficult emotions, or holding space for painful lived experiences from the past... Because it absolutely does.
Coaching just focuses more intently on where & who you want to be (future), while holding thoughtful space for where & who you have been (past).
One thing I love about coaching, is that although healing is not a main goal of coaching, it is often a bonus effect.
Final Thoughts
Both therapy and coaching are incredibly valuable services that have a foundation in neuroscience. While there is plenty of overlap between the two, there are also plenty of differences.
The nuances as well as bigger differences may not be fully understood until you've experienced both.
I am grateful to live in a world where taboos are actively being challenged, and both services are more widely accepted.
I have a background in Psychology,
and I work as a coach.
I have been to therapy,
and I work with a coach.
Fun fact: My coach is the Master Certified Coach/former therapist who introduced me to the concept of Figure 1.
I chose to go to therapy first, and switch to coaching later. Personally, I preferred to focus on healing first. Then, from my solid baseline of human functioning, I shifted my focus to crushing my goals for the future.
Personal preferences aside, I know of people who go to therapy and coaching, simultaneously. Whatever floats your boat! If you see benefit in both, want both, and can afford both -- who am I to stop ya?
And I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again.
I plan to continue investing in either therapy or coaching for the rest of my life.
After experiencing the life-changing benefits of both, first-hand, I know that I will never regret investing in either.
And remember, you can switch back and forth as is needed.
Aiming Above Your Baseline?
I hope this blog post has helped clarify the difference between therapy and coaching at least a little bit, and you will have an easier time choosing the best service for you (at this moment).
If you're sitting there thinking "Coaching might be my next best move...", don't hesitate to book a free 30-minute discovery session with me.
I'm offering only a few client slots at reduced rates until December, so take advantage of this opportunity while there's still availability.
As always, please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
I welcome positive comments, personal thoughts, as well as respectful disagreements.
And I'm curious to know... Where do you consider yourself in relation to your baseline right now? And where are you aiming to get?