GENERAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COACHING AND THERAPY:

THERAPY	COACHING
Assumes the client needs healing	Assumes the client needs guidance
Roots in medicine, psychiatry	Roots in business and personal growth venues
Works with people to achieve self-understanding and emotional healing	Works to motivate people to a higher level of functioning
Focuses on feelings and past events; past-orientation	Focuses on actions and the future; goal-orientation
Explores the root of problems	Focuses on solving problems
Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness	Works with the conscious mind
Works for internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns	Works for solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement effective choices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Hayden, C.J., and Whitworth, L. “Distinction Between Coaching and Therapy.” International Association of Personal and Professional Coaches Newsletter, October 1995