We often hear people use the terms therapy and coaching as if they’re interchangeable. However, they serve very different purposes. Therapy focuses on healing, while coaching is about growth and performance. Both have value, but knowing which one to choose—and when—can make a big difference in how we support ourselves or those we care about.
To clarify the difference, we need to look at what each approach offers, how they overlap, and where they diverge. In doing so, we can better understand what we might need when we’re facing a challenge or trying to move forward in life.
The Purpose of Therapy
Therapy is about addressing psychological and emotional issues. We turn to therapy when we’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or unresolved family dynamics. That is to say, therapy helps us process pain and heal from it.
Most importantly, therapy is often about working through the past. It gives us a space to explore how our experiences shape our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As a result, we become more aware of patterns that may no longer serve us. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They use a range of tools, such as cognitive behavioral techniques or psychodynamic approaches, to guide clients through emotional healing.
In many cases, therapy can feel slow or even uncomfortable. However, that discomfort is often a sign that we’re moving through difficult but necessary territory.
The Focus of Coaching
On the other hand, coaching is future-focused. We work with a coach when we want to improve our performance, make a change, or achieve a goal. In other words, coaching helps us get from point A to point B, not necessarily because something is wrong, but because we want more from our lives.
Unlike therapy, coaching does not involve treating mental illness. Coaches do not diagnose or explore unresolved emotional trauma. Instead, they help clarify goals, identify obstacles, and develop action plans. For instance, someone might hire a coach to transition careers, improve their leadership skills, or create healthier habits.
Coaching is often more structured than therapy. Sessions may involve homework, accountability check-ins, and measurable progress. That’s why it works well for people who are generally functioning but want targeted guidance to grow or change.
When You Might Need Therapy
There are times when coaching simply won’t be enough. For example, if you’re struggling with chronic anxiety that affects your sleep, relationships, or work, coaching may not help until you address the root of that anxiety. Therapy creates space for that deeper work.
Similarly, if you’ve experienced trauma, loss, or a major life disruption, a trained therapist can guide you through the emotional recovery process. While a coach might offer encouragement, they are not equipped to manage the clinical or emotional demands that come with grief or PTSD.
Therapy is also critical when we feel stuck for reasons we don’t understand. Often, we need someone to help us look inward before we can take action outward. In those moments, psychological counselling and assessments in St. Albert can offer a starting point for safe, confidential support.
When Coaching Might Be the Right Fit
Conversely, coaching is helpful when we have a specific goal in mind and feel emotionally steady. For instance, we may want to find more balance between work and home, or we might be launching a business and need structure and clarity.
A coach can ask strong, forward-thinking questions and offer strategies for problem-solving. Furthermore, coaching can help us develop confidence, build habits, and track our results. If we’ve already done a lot of personal growth work, coaching can take us to the next level of effectiveness.
For those seeking support from the comfort of home, some options like online counselling services are also starting to blend coaching tools into their therapy practices, especially in areas like personal development or relationship skills.
Where Therapy and Coaching Overlap
While therapy and coaching are different, they’re not at odds. In fact, they often work best when we use them together. Many therapists today integrate coaching techniques to help clients set and reach goals. Similarly, many coaches are trained to recognize when a client might benefit from therapy and will refer out when necessary.
Both approaches involve a trusting relationship. We need to feel safe, heard, and respected. Therefore, whether we’re exploring trauma or setting goals, the quality of the relationship is just as important as the techniques being used.
In both therapy and coaching, we learn about ourselves. We develop insight, build skills, and make conscious choices. However, the tools and focus will vary depending on our needs.
How to Decide Between the Two
If you’re not sure whether you need therapy or coaching, ask yourself what’s driving your desire for support. Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or distressed? Then therapy may be the place to start. Are you feeling relatively stable but want help reaching a goal? Then coaching might be the better option.
It also helps to speak with a professional who can guide you to the right resource. Some clinics offer both services or have practitioners who blend the two, depending on what suits you best.
You can also explore scheduling a consultation through the appointment booking platform to see which direction feels right. A short conversation with a provider might give you clarity and save time in the long run.
A Shared Goal: Growth and Support
Whether you choose therapy, coaching, or both, the goal is the same: to improve your quality of life. We all face challenges at some point, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Sometimes we need someone to hold space while we heal. Other times, we need someone to push us forward. Both are valid. Both are necessary. And both can change the way we live and relate to ourselves and others.
When in doubt, remember that help is available. If you’re looking to take the first step or just need more information, contact us to learn more about your options. We’re here to help you figure out what kind of support fits best—no pressure, no judgment.
FAQs
What’s the biggest difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy focuses on healing emotional and psychological issues, often related to past experiences. Coaching is about goal-setting and personal development, focused on future outcomes.
Can someone do both therapy and coaching at the same time?
Yes, many people use both services. It’s common to work with a therapist for emotional healing while also working with a coach for accountability and structure.
How do I know if I need a therapist instead of a coach?
If you’re feeling emotionally distressed, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by past events, therapy is usually the right choice. Coaches do not provide mental health treatment.
Are online sessions available for therapy or coaching?
Yes, many professionals now offer virtual sessions. This makes access easier and more flexible, especially for people with busy schedules or limited mobility.
Does coaching involve any mental health diagnosis?
No. Coaches are not trained or licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Their role is to help you grow and achieve your goals, not to address psychological disorders.
