Episode 29: What’s the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching?

This week we address the differences between therapy and coaching - not only will we define and review the application of each profession, but we will also discuss the limitations of each. As a former therapist turned coach, I provide some insight into how client conversations and goal setting should differ in the two settings.
Coach with Clarity Podcast Lee Chaix McDonough

29: What's the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching?

One of the most common questions I'm asked is about the difference between therapy and coaching. As a coach, it's important to understand the differences between the two professions, the overlap between them, and how to know which approach will best serve your client.

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Show Notes

One of the most common questions I'm asked is about the difference between therapy and coaching. As a coach, it's important to understand the differences between the two professions, the overlap between them, and how to know which approach will best serve your client.

Today we're zooming in on therapy versus coaching and I hope that whether you are a therapist, a licensed mental health professional, a coach or simply exploring the profession of coaching, you will find today's deep dive to be helpful.

I'm looking forward to hearing your comments and feedback about it.

Topics covered

  • Why there's no one, simple definition of therapy
  • Some examples of how different states and professions define psychotherapy
  • The types of scenarios that suggest that it may be appropriate to refer a client for therapy
  • My favorite definition of coaching
  • Why the partnership aspect of coaching is a major differentiator in comparison to therapy
  • How our questioning differs in coaching versus therapy
  • Why coaches are usually in a better position than therapists to help clients maximize their potential
  • The benefits of observing coaching in action
  • When coaching and therapy overlap

Resources mentioned

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TRANSCRIPT


Well, hi there, friend. Welcome to the Coach with Clarity podcast, my name is Lee Chaix McDonough, and I want to thank you for joining me today as I answer one of, if not the most common question I get asked, which is, what is the difference between therapy and coaching?

Now, I think this is a very important topic for us to go into whether you are a therapist or not. And in fact, if you are a coach, I think it's also important that you understand the differences between the two professions, the overlap between the two professions, and how to know which approach will best serve your client, if not both of them. 

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