Are Therapy and Coaching All That Different?

Curt and Katie chat about the differences between coaching and therapy, for a second time. We look at some common myths (and how coaches continue to share this misinformation). We also look at how therapists can effectively incorporate coaching into their therapy sessions, with client consent. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent in coaching and in therapy, and why therapists may feel they need to choose one or the other. 

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk the differences between coaching and therapy

We’ve come back around to exploring coaching. We look at the differences, the pros and cons, and what therapists can incorporate into therapy.

What are the differences between coaching and therapy?

·      There are no regulations for coaching

·      Therapists are limited to providing services where they are licensed or have practicing privileges

·      Coaching is often more directive (but therapy can be directive as well)

·      Coaching has flexibility to work outside of session (although therapists can do coaching calls and more experiential work)

·      Therapy often requires “medical necessity,” and can treat more serious concerns

·      There are sometimes different structures between how therapy and coaching are set up (i.e., coaching has more room for asynchronous courses)

·      There is a false story that therapy always looks at the past or sees clients as broken

What parts of coaching can therapists incorporate into therapy?

·      Therapists can use a more directive, coaching style, even though not all therapists do

·      Therapists, within a treatment agreement, can (and should) hold clients accountable and have more specific goals

·      Lived experience informing the work

·      Marketing with specificity and focused expertise

Why do therapists feel they need to choose between therapy and coaching?

·      It is more complicated to provide different services to your clients

·      There is a potential for dual relationships and the rules are different within coaching

·      The need for informed consent can hinder some of the other types of services that fit into coaching

·      Coaching is for the “worried well” whereas therapy can include folks with deeper issues

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/