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