Coaching, Counselling, Therapy, What’s the Difference?

What do these words mean?

These words are often used interchangeably and overlap to a certain extent. Their meaning also differs between people and cultures. This is how I see the differences.

Coaching is helping people expand their capabilities and skills to reach their goals in life. In my practice, this means that I coach you on things like communicating with your partner(s), staying present in difficult situations, and connecting with your partner(s) in new ways.

Counselling is more focused on helping you find your own solutions to the problems you are facing. This means that I use my knowledge, experience, and curiosity, as well as ask questions and share observations, to help you connect the dots in your life and come up with new insights and solutions. It’s about helping you tap more into your own wisdom.

Therapy is, in its essence, more focussed on pathology and the ‘treatment’ of a diverse range of things, from depression and anxiety to personality disorders and many other things. Although I have some training in these areas, I am not a therapist in this sense and am not offering therapeutic treatment.

Coaches, counsellors, and therapists almost always use a mix of approaches. In my practice, I use coaching and counselling to help you achieve your goals. If you are interested, book a free introduction call below. I’m looking forward to meeting you!