Counseling and Coaching What’s the Difference?

Image from Montgomery County Counseling Center

Counseling and coaching are often terms that are used interchangeably. While the two are similar, there are subtle differences that are worth knowing. For starters, depending on what state you reside in, a counselor or therapist can give you a medical diagnosis if necessary. A coach is NOT licensed to diagnose you. With the overuse of clinical language in everyday society, a coach may identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, and a few other mental health issues; In this case, the coach should refer you to a licensed professional (depending on the severity), it up to the coach to know their limitations.

   Coaching is present and future-focused. Coaching aims to help you acknowledge where you are, identify negative behaviors holding you back from achieving your goals, and strategize moving towards your goals. A life coach much like a therapist, does NOT tell you what to do but acts as a sounding board, allowing you to hear your thought aloud and process the next best steps for your life.

  While counseling is very similar to coaching in helping you move forward in life; however, counseling is not always future-focused. Your counselor may assist you in taking an objective look at your family of origin, morals, and values that may currently impact your life. The impact of past experiences and deep-rooted thoughts and feelings you may not have even realized were changing you. Your therapist will encourage and challenge you to examine various areas of your life and evaluate whether or not these factors are beneficial or detrimental to you presently or where you want to go.

Education: 

Licensed counselors in the state of SC (and most states) must at least have a Master’s Degree. Counselors take several courses dedicated to the human experience, such as human development, human sexuality, family and group dynamics, diagnosis, and various counseling strategies. Counselors must also participate in clinical supervision while working towards licensure and afterward.

Coaches do not require training in most states and the practice is not highly regulated if regulated at all. Some coaches (usually those who are not already trained/licensed therapists) will identify reputable training programs and pass a national exam to earn a Board Certified Coach credential (BCC).

 Objectives

Counselors aim to resolve issues leading to the client’s negative thoughts and feelings that impair the ability to function optimally in life. These issues stemming from the family of origin, interpersonal relationships, and various daily stressors lead to diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, & PTSD, all of which counselors are qualified to diagnose.

Coaches work to help clients set & obtain goals for their future. These clients are emotionally stable able to receive guidance and instruction on making changes that will help them achieve their goals. Coaches aim to assist the client in creating and maintaining motivation for change.

 Ethics and Boundaries

Counselors must maintain stringent ethical guidelines, while because there are no regulations or educational requirements for coaches, their ethical standards are highly variable. Coaches are also not held to the same confidentiality or professional standards guidelines due to lack of regulation. However, must coaching recognize and adhere to the importance of confidentiality in the healing relationship.

 Approach

Counselors are trained not to provide clients with advice, helping the client process their thoughts and feelings and guiding the client to find their answers; this is especially true with “non-directive” therapy. While there are counselors who practice more active therapy methods that research shows may be more effective in producing positive outcomes.

Coaches make recommendations and assist the client in brainstorming solutions for improving their lives. The coach is careful not to force ideas that don’t fit with the client’s beliefs, circumstances, and personality. Individuals seeking real-life guidance and are emotionally secure may find coaching a better fit for them than counseling. In addition to giving direct feedback, coaches will offer a structured plan of action, including taking homework. Coaching provides the client with a roadmap for change, support, and an accountability partner.

Counselors often provide coaching services in addition to therapy for those who do not meet medical necessity. When performing as a coach, a counselor/therapist will provide a consent form that explains although they are licensed, they are not operating in the capacity of their license when coaching except for in the highest standard of client safety and protection.