The Difference Between Counselling and Coaching
What are the key difference between counselling and coaching? What are pros and cons of each modality and which option is the most suitable for my needs?
You may be feeling ‘stuck’ or unable to get started on your latest project. You get the sense that it would be a good idea to talk to someone about how what’s going on. Should you chat with a counsellor or a coach? While there are similarities between counselling and coaching, they are also somewhat different in approach and content of the session.
Below are a few of the key differences between the two modalities.
Focus of Session
While there can be cross-over between the two, in general, counselling sessions tend to focus on the past and healing emotional wounds. Issues such as trauma and family of origin problems, and how they may be affecting you currently are commonly spoken about in counselling. Counselling tends to focus on healing and the development of emotional resilience.
Whereas during coaching, the focus is typically on goal-setting and finding solutions to future problems. Planning and strategizing how to set realistic goals and accomplish them are typically what is discussed during a coaching session. Another major focus of coaching is accountability. Having a coach to encourage and ‘course correct’ you along is a major asset in your pursuit of reaching your stated goals.
Mental Health
Counselling primarily deals with issues of mental health. Issues ranging from anxiety and depression through to grief and trauma, speaking to a counsellor can help you recognize and deals with the issues that you may be facing.
During coaching, the empathizes is problem-solving and goal achievement. While issues such as stress, procrastination and ‘imposter-syndrome’ sometimes come up, sessions typically do not focus on such mental-health issues unless they pose a significant hurdle to accomplishing one’s goals.
If you have been feeling usually sad or excessively worried, it might be a good idea to speak with a counsellor. If, however, you would like to overcome your ‘mental blocks’ and reach your goals, a coach is who may be looking for.
Regulation
It is very important to ensure that whomever you trust to speak with is qualified and experienced. To be a licenced counsellor, one must meet rigid educational and training requirements. Further, counsellors are required by law to protect your confidentiality and privacy. It is essential to ensure that your counsellor meets the guidelines set by the regulating authorities.
Coaching doesn’t require this type of licensing and regulation. That is not to say coaches are not qualified to do so. It simply means that there is a lower barrier to entry to become a coach and therefore, there are typically more ‘hustlers’ offering coaching services. Be wary of the coach that offers you a ‘mastermind’ course or the majority of their clients are other coaches.
Session Structure
During counselling, there is generally no set structure. Sessions are typically not goal-orientated and are usually non-directive. Counsellors will often leave it open for the client to open the session. The topic of discussions may be picked up from the last session or it may revolve around what you may be feeling in the moment; a fight with your partner you’d like to better understand or a nagging feeling you may be experiencing.
Coaching on the other hand typically have a rather rigid structure. Sessions will generally begin with a follow-up on the tasks set at the end of the previous session. Go over any issues faced during the week and how best to overcome said issues. The sessions will generally end with an agreed-upon set of goals to be reached for the next session. This tighter format allows for the measurement of your objectives and goals.
Stigma
This is a major societal issue that needs rectification. It is commonly held that there is something ‘wrong’ with people who seek
counselling
or therapeutic help. That they are weak for not being able to resolve or ‘get over’ their issues. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes a level of awareness and strength to seek help.
Coaching, on the other hand, does not face the same stigma. While coaching does not usually help people with mental health issues, it can be a good ‘stepping-stone’ if you feel ashamed or don’t know where or how to begin your healing journey.
Generally speaking, counselling is for those who recognize that they need some help with their emotional wellbeing. For people struggling with anxiety, depression or anger management issue, it may be very helpful for you to chat with a counsellor.
However, you’re feeling emotionally well, and you’d like some help getting your next idea/business off the ground and would like to be held accountable, perhaps give coaching a try.
Consider which path is best for you,
counselling
or coaching.
For
further
information on counselling and coaching, please visit:
pauljozsef.ca
Paul is a qualified Clinical Counselor, based in Westmount, Montreal, Canada.
With a commitment to mental health, Jozsef provides services in English, including Counselling, Mindfulness and Therapy (Individual).
Jozsef has expertise in Anger Management Issues, Anxiety Disorders, Depression and Men's Issues.
Click here to schedule a session with Jozsef.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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