Counseling VS Coaching
There are very distinct differences in counseling and coaching, however they can be difficult to understand and easy to confuse. I like for my clients to understand the differences and have clear expectations about what each service is so that they can make informed decisions for their care
Please review the descriptions below and feel free to contact me if you need additional clarification.
Counseling
Counseling is a medical model. It is assumed that there is a medical necessity that the person is being treated for, and treatment is built around a mental health diagnosis ex: depression, anxiety, PTSD. It typically is addressing the dysfunctions a person is experiencing, with a heavy emphasis on the past. Past experiences drive current perceptions and limitations. Your counselor is qualified to give you a mental health diagnosis and treat you for it, if it is within their scope of practice.
Counseling focuses on helping patients resolve old pain, and focuses on relieving painful symptoms. Your therapist needs to understand a lot about your history and how you are experiencing day to day life to get a full picture of where the issues may lie and what patterns are keeping you stuck. This can often be a slow process to change.
Counseling may be provided in person or through telehealth. Counselors can only provide services to residents of the state the counselor is licensed in. I am only licensed in Idaho and can only provide counseling services to residents living in the state of Idaho. In the US, a minimum of a Master's Degree is required to provide counseling and in most states they must be licensed. Licensing boards hold counselors to high standards and the field is heavily regulated to protect clients.
Coaching
Coaching is designed as a learning model. It assumes the person is already healthy and needs help moving toward a higher level of functioning. It's highly goal oriented in which the present and future are the main focus as you shift your mindset and behavior.
The coach's role becomes more about holding the client accountable as they are being challenged, to act as a catalyst to change.
Unlike counseling, this is not a medical model. There is no diagnosis, and insurance will not pay for this service. This model assumes you are healthy, you have done much of the work you need to in order to heal your past, and you are only focused on action to get to the next level. It is very present and future based.
Coaching can be provided in person or online, and you can work with a coach that lives anywhere in the world. Coaches do not have to be certified, licensed, or have any training at this time. There currently is no requirements for coaching regulations. It is important to research your coach and understand what their training, background and area of expertise is.
Coaching Services
Over the past 20 years I have been studying psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and neuroscience. I have used these incredible tools in my counseling practice, and now I am bringing them to my coaching practice.
I offer both 1:1 coaching as well as small group coaching. My 1:1 coaching focuses around relationships, dating, stress and health. My small group coaching program is geared toward women who want to break their old dating patterns so they can find a healthy, lasting relationship. The small group program includes a 6 month curriculum with all the worksheets and tools you need to examine these patterns, weekly coaching calls and a private community with other likeminded women to provide all of the support you need for lasting change.
The next step is to book a consultation to make sure we are a good fit and to identify your goals and which program might be the best fit for you. To book a clarity call click here