Counselling vs Coaching

What's the difference? Which is a better fit for you?

There are many similarities between effective counselling and coaching. In fact, because both services can draw from the same principles of behavioural change - at times they will be indistinguishable. Depending on what types of changes you want to make, and what sorts of concerns you want to explore, there are some important differences to be aware of, too. 

The International Coaching Federation provides the following definition of coaching "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." 

The American Counseling (Canadians spell it "counsellor;" Americans prefer "counselor") Association has agreed to define counselling as ". . . the application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology."

At first glance of definitions, one may form the impression that coaching is a little bit more succinct and direct, and that counselling involves a more sensitive approach that moves a little more slowly and digs a little bit deeper. I think that such a conclusion is reasonable. Precisely where to draw the line between services is somewhat debatable. Thankfully, determining which is a better fit for you can actually be pretty simple. Really, it can boil down to your answer to two simple questions you can ask yourself:

1. What time domain(s) do I most want to focus on?
Coaching is meant to focus on the present and the future, without spending time delving into the past. So, if you wish to explore trauma, or where you think some of your problems are originating from, it would be wise to seek a Counsellor. With the added education that Counsellors receive, counselling can safely explore some of your memories, thoughts, and feelings about your past. 

2.  Do I have a clinically significant issue?
The answer to this question is going to be subjective. While some diagnoses (e.g. schizophrenia) are clearly clinically significant, and would warrant a clinically-trained Counsellor (likely in addition to other mental health professionals), not all diagnoses are as clear. For example, some feelings of depression may respond very well to a coaching strategy. Ultimately, I believe that the best person to make this distinction is usually the person affected. 

Hopefully this brief explanation helps you to understand whether a Counsellor or a Coach would be a better fit for you. If you aren't sure which resonates with you, please CONTACT ME and we can explore some of your questions together. Fortunately, some Counsellors - I include myself in this category - provide both Counselling and Coaching services.