The Difference Between Coaching and Therapy
One of the most common questions we hear during coaching consultations is, "How is coaching different from therapy?" It’s a great question because understanding the distinction between these two forms of support is key to getting the most out of each.
Therapy and coaching both play important roles in personal development, but they have different goals. Therapy is often focused on helping individuals process and heal from past experiences, including trauma, pain, or emotional challenges. Through therapy, people gain insight into how past experiences shape their present and develop coping strategies for personal struggles.
Coaching, on the other hand, is all about the future. A coach works with clients to define and pursue their goals, build on their strengths, and create strategies for growth. Coaching clients often come in with a desire to move forward and achieve something specific in their lives or work.
While therapy and coaching are different, both are valuable depending on what someone needs at any given time. Therapy is best suited to those looking to address past issues or trauma, while coaching is ideal for those who feel ready to take action toward future goals. Both therapy and coaching utilize reflection and likely require “homework” to practice applying new approaches to struggles or challenges.
As a coach, my role is to provide accountability, encouragement, and practical tools that help clients reach those future-focused aspirations. I often utilize personality assessments like CliftonStrengths or the Enneagram to help clients hone in on strategies for reaching their goals or experiencing more satisfaction in their work and professional relationships. These assessments serve as tools to help clients understand their unique contributions to their team or organization and guide them in clarifying their vision for achieving professionally.
At transform.forward, we offer various types of coaching, each tailored to meet the needs of different clients. Our coaching offerings include Executive and Leadership Coaching, Career Transition Coaching, and specialized Framework-Based Coaching, like the Leadership Versatility Index (LVI), CliftonStrengths, the Enneagram, and more. Our personalized approach empowers leaders, teams, and individuals at every career stage, focusing on practical, values-driven strategies to foster growth. Our clients, who inspire us with their brilliance, come from diverse sectors and roles, each bringing unique insights and aspirations. Together, we create customized coaching experiences that honor their strengths and drive them toward professional success.
If you're curious about how coaching could support you or your team, visit our Coaching page for details and to connect with our team.
