What is the difference between Professional Counseling and Coaching?

Counseling:
Professional Counselors have, at a minimum, a Masters degree in counseling related fields, (Psychology, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy). In addition, the majority are licensed by their State as Psychologists, Social Workers, Clinical Counselors, Counselors or Marriage and Family Therapists. They are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, in addition to other counseling related disciplines.

Professional Counseling has its foundations in a medical, mental health model, using diagnosis where people work to achieve self-understanding and emotional and interpersonal healing. The focus can be upon feelings and past events and works toward internal resolution of pain and to releasing of old patterns of thought and behavior to restoration and health. Professional Counselors offer help, hope and healing, to those living in a broken and hurting world, through quality, professional care for individuals, couples, families and the extended community through confidential counseling, assessment, testing and consultation services.

Coaching:
A Coach (Life, Business, Home, Personal, Technology, Lifestyle Strategies) is for those desiring a "team mate" or "Coach" when one may want to increase personal capabilities and impact one's work environment and personal lifestyle more effectively and successfully. One may need tools to more effectively manage time, stress, people, career opportunity, juggling work and home, growing a business, growing ourselves. Coaching stimulates vision and assists individuals forward into their future. Coaching helps to expand goals, builds confidence, unlocks potential, increases and expands skills, and take practical steps toward career and personal goals, with the perspective of a short term plan and a long term strategy.

Professional Coaches typically have years of education and experience, with proven success, in niche areas to encourage and focus their clients toward success. Coaching is not therapy. Coaches do not diagnose, nor treat mental and emotional disorders. Should those needs be identified upon initial contact or surface in the course of a coaching relationship, a referral is made to a Professional Counselor.

Professional Counseling and Professional Life Coaching do have similarities, such as:

• Confidential, one-to-one, fee for services
• Client is interested in change
• Open to discovering new ways to think and function
• Committed to change
• Willing to invest time and energy into moving ahead
• Regularly schedule sessions
• Communication via verbal dialogue, in person or via telephone, is the primary session methodology

There are differences in working with a Professional Counselor or Professional Coach. We ask those considering working with a therapist, counselor or coach to thoughtfully consider the differences and what needs need to be met.

Please inquire for more information regarding Life, Personal or Business Coaching.

Life Coach
Small Business Coach
Technology Coach
Wireless Coach
Sales & Business Development Coach
Nutrition Coach
Real Estate & Home Staging Coach
Interior Design Coach
Personal Fitness Coach