There's a common misconception that coaching is just like therapy—or even better. While coaching and therapy share some surface similarities, like having clients and supporting personal growth, they are fundamentally different in purpose, approach, and boundaries. Today, let’s clear up this myth once and for all. Understanding the distinction between coaching and therapy is crucial for ethical and effective coaching.
The Difference Between Coaching and Therapy
Therapy often focuses on healing from the past, addressing unresolved trauma, and tackling mental health challenges. A therapist helps clients unpack emotional wounds and navigate the complexities of their inner world. It's like taking all the baggage from your past, opening it up, and deciding what to keep and what to let go of.
Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused. It’s about setting goals, creating actionable strategies, and empowering clients to move forward. Coaching isn’t about unpacking the past; it’s like starting fresh with an empty suitcase and deciding what to pack for the journey ahead. It’s all about what you need to get to where you want to go.
Why the Difference Matters for Coaches
As a coach, you need to stay within your scope of practice. Diving into therapeutic work without proper training can harm your client and undermine your confidence. Understanding the clear boundaries between coaching and therapy ensures you serve your clients ethically while protecting the integrity of your practice.
For example, imagine a client opens up to you about childhood trauma. They’ve never felt safe sharing it with anyone until now. As a coach, your instinct might be to help, but if unresolved trauma or mental health concerns come up, it’s essential to recognize when you’re out of your depth. This is where your ethical responsibility kicks in: knowing when to refer the client to a licensed therapist.
Recognizing When Therapy Is Needed
Not every client is ready for coaching. A critical skill for coaches is identifying when someone needs therapy instead of—or alongside—coaching. This starts before you even begin working together, during consultations or through your content and marketing. Be clear about what coaching is and isn’t. Coaching focuses on forward movement and actionable strategies, while therapy addresses deep emotional healing.
If a client reveals unresolved trauma, mental health concerns, or challenges requiring deeper emotional work, refer them to a therapist. A good rule of thumb: If it feels outside your training or involves issues from the past that are hindering progress, it’s time to refer out.
You might say something like this to your client: "I believe what you’re sharing is outside the scope of coaching. I think it would be really beneficial for you to work with a therapist to address these specific concerns. Once that work is underway, we can refocus on your goals and create actionable strategies to help you move forward."
Alternatively, if the client’s trauma impacts their progress but doesn’t require diving into therapeutic work, you can acknowledge it while staying within your coaching role. For example: "I understand how this experience has shaped you, and we can work together on how it affects your goals. But for deeper emotional healing, I recommend working with a therapist while we continue focusing on your future."
Collaborating with Therapists
Sometimes, clients benefit from working with both a coach and a therapist. This dual approach allows them to address past wounds in therapy while focusing on future goals in coaching. If possible, establish a referral list of trusted therapists or online counseling services. This makes it easier to guide clients toward the help they need.
You might even develop professional relationships with therapists in your area or niche. Mutual referrals can create a powerful partnership where you both serve clients more effectively, enhancing their growth and healing.
Ethical Coaching Practices in Action
As a coach, your role is to empower clients to move forward. Be clear in your marketing, consultations, and sessions about your focus on actionable, future-oriented strategies. If a client begins sharing something outside your scope, gently guide the conversation back to coaching goals or refer them out if needed.
For example:
If a client starts unpacking trauma: "I want to acknowledge what you’re sharing, and I believe a therapist could help you process this in ways that will be truly healing."
If they share an emotional challenge unrelated to your coaching work: "Let’s refocus on the goals we’re working on together. I recommend exploring this specific challenge with a therapist who can help you navigate it fully."
A Practical Step for Coaches
This week, develop a referral list of therapists, counselors, or other professionals, either locally or online. Reach out to build connections with therapists who align with your values and coaching approach. This small action will prepare you to handle situations ethically and confidently when clients need support beyond your scope.
Final Thoughts
Coaching and therapy are both incredibly valuable but serve different purposes. Therapists are trained and licensed to guide clients through healing from the past, while coaches focus on helping clients move forward toward their goals. By staying in your lane as a coach, you serve your clients better, protect your practice, and elevate the coaching profession.
Coaching isn’t better than therapy—it’s different. Both have their place in personal growth and transformation. If you keep these distinctions in mind, you’ll create more effective and ethical coaching relationships, empowering your clients to achieve their goals while ensuring they have the support they need to address deeper issues. So, stay focused on helping your clients pack their bags for the future, and leave the baggage unpacking to the therapists. That’s how you make a real difference.
Reader Challenge:
Create a referral list of therapists or counselors this week. Take time to connect with them, so you’re ready to refer clients who need support outside of coaching. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.
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