Coaching vs. Counseling

Most coaching agreements state: “Per this agreement, the coach acts as a professional to support the client in progressing in a specific area of life and/or ministry. The coach is not acting in the capacity of a mental health therapist, psychoanalyst, or counselor. Coaching is distinct from mental health care services or substance abuse treatment as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Therefore, if a coach deems that a client would be better served by a different service beyond the coach's professional scope, the coach will inform the client and initiate a referral process.”

But what is the difference between Coaching and Counseling?  

IN SHORT

COUNSELING aims to aid people in dealing with past or present hurts that paralyze them and prevent them from living a normal life. It diagnoses and treats the causes and symptoms of mental, emotional, relational, or behavioral disorders.

COACHING aims to come alongside a person or group to improve on a personal or professional level. It facilitates the development of life skills over a set period of time, equipping individuals to move confidently into the future.

COUNSELING DEFINED

In counseling, the client submits to the treatment plan set by the counselor or therapist with the goal of finding healing from past hurt, trauma, or harmful habits. Counseling is reparative by nature; therefore, counseling steps in when the client is impaired in a specific area of life. Being mentally impaired may mean the client has slight problems functioning in the world, or it can mean that severe dysfunctions paralyze the client. A counselor will work with the client, diagnosing the problem and setting in action a treatment plan for the client. The goal of counseling is to help the client become functional again, either by eliminating the issue at hand or helping the client develop coping mechanisms. A Christian counselor will point to God as the ultimate healer who can reach deep into a person’s heart. In God’s presence, a client can find peace in the midst of the storm. Counseling is successful when the client can function well within his or her environment and finds peace in the presence of God.

COACHING DEFINED

Coaching services are generally designed to facilitate personal or professional development and growth. In coaching, the client is seen as the expert in his or her own life. The coach merely comes alongside the client and, through tailored strategies, helps the client improve a specific area of life. A Christian coach values God’s positive impact on life. The combination of health standards and tailored coaching models will guide the coaching session as the client develop new personal or professional goals and strategies. Coaching is a highly structured approach in which the client assesses the current situation and is given homework that leads to an improved future. Coaching is successful when the client has learned to set new goals and create the required habits to reach these goals.