5 (Debunked!) Myths About Coaching vs. Therapy – and how to find the right fit for your needs

When an individual is preparing to pursue professional help in order to better deal with a personal problem, it can be unclear whether to choose a therapist or a certified coach. Major misconceptions have existed around what distinguishes psychotherapy from coaching, and many remain confused about what differentiates the two. 

At LIFT, we define coaching in two true and distinctive ways: 1. a style of interpersonal work with clients utilized in some facet by every member of our team, 2. the designation of the coaching profession, which has unique purposes and adaptabilities, and can be amended to serve clients on the day-to-day in real time. 

Let’s delve in deeper by taking a look at myths that may reveal prejudices and stereotypes regarding the use of both modalities. We promise you that by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how coaching and therapy really work.

Myth #1: Coaches are concerned with your present and future, whereas therapists are caught up in your past.

If you are considering coaching or therapy, it’s likely that you’re presently being held back by maladaptive beliefs and feelings about your potential, much of which are derived from both current and past experiences and schemas. The job of a therapist and that of a coach will be to learn how your back-story is shaping present and future. Where a therapist is uniquely trained to investigate childhood origins and unconscious meanings, a coach is not. Both will address your past, but a therapist will do so by harnessing overarching insight-based behavior change, and a coach in an effort to help you combat the current pattern. Of course, the goal in both cases will be the same: self-knowledge, self-compassion, and second-order change.

Therapists are not obsessed with the past, but we do see the past as being rich with data samples on your patterns, and a likely precedent for how you may respond in the future. Whether working with a therapist or a coach, understanding your past behavior will be critical in setting new trends in your future. An important note: In cases wherein someone has considerable trauma, entrenched neuroses, an active mental health diagnosis or addition, or entrenched toxic relational patterns, it’s crucial to seek the help of a therapist to treat the underlying problem areas before delving into situational stressors.

Myth #2: Coaching is fast; therapy is slow and time-consuming.

As a counseling practice that utilizes a solution-focused model, we balk at the idea that therapy has to be a slow and perfunctory process. Measurable, concrete outcomes are the desire of any therapist worth her salt, and therapists are as concerned about empirical measures of success and movement of a client from point A to point B as coaches can be. If coaching is more expeditious, this can be attributed to the presenting problem areas that are often brought to coaching, which are often situational. Depending on the nature of the problem, therapy can see effective outcomes in 3-6 sessions, as can coaching, although many choose to continue with either on a longer-term basis in order to maintain gains, continue to learn and practice new skills, and have a greater sense of accountability.

Myth #3: If you don’t have a mental illness, you belong in coaching rather than therapy.

Many present to therapy for issues that are unrelated to mental health, i.e., career or marital dissatisfaction, self-care check-ups, parenting guidance, general confidence building, or existential dilemmas. The stereotype that well-minded individuals belong in coaching rather than therapy stems from the decreased stigma that goes along with the coaching profession versus that of what has been placed on mental health. Therapists help well people feel better, too!

Myth #4: Coaches will hold you accountable, whereas therapists are always objective, neutral and unbiased.

An active and engaged therapist will provide honest feedback and constructively challenge a client. Therapy is an authentic space in which a client can explore and learn about themselves, and a valuable tool in this process is a fair and trustworthy mirror. Outdated models of therapy in which clinicians sit silently are rarely preferred; most clients wish to have a meaningful relationship with a confidante who is appropriately vulnerable and forthcoming themselves.

Myth #5: Coaches will do wrap-around work with a client outside the bounds of the therapy room, whereas therapists will only spend an allotted 50-minutes with you per week, and the rest is up to you. Particularly in our DBT and ED-track work, our clinical team has always taken a hands-on approach with clients, permitting clients to text or call outside of normal office hours when needed for additional scaffolding and support, much like a coach. LIFT therapists also offer ZOOM appointments and in-home sessions to allow for greater scheduling flexibility. Note: One distinction: while therapists are only permitted to practice in their state of license, a certified coach is not bound by such restrictions. Therefore, a coach can work with clients anywhere in the world in an unrestricted manner.

Now that we have a better understanding of the similarities between coaching vs. therapy, let’s explore some of the unique benefits offered by the coaching profession.

At LIFT, our coaches are certified through an International Coach Federation accredited program, JRNI. 1:1 coaching is utilized as an auxiliary tool for clients who would benefit from strategic support in between therapy sessions in order to reinforce gains, sustain momentum, and provide accountability around a new commitment. And, coaching is also used in its own right, as a vehicle for clients who are looking to make an important life decision, improve performance in school or work, or address a challenging situation from a place of assurance and authenticity. Educating clients on the disciplines of coaching and therapy, and discussing which model will best suit their needs, are key components to our one-hour initial client evaluation. With flexibility and open-mindedness, we help clients plot a course towards their goals, using a tailored support system uniquely designed for their needs.