Coaching versus Counseling...
COACHING VERSUS COUNSELING -
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When you hear the word “coaching,” what do you think about it? As an athlete, when I first hear the word “coaching” I immediately think about training for some physical goal I might have. There has been a lot of buzz about coaching in the mental health world and it seems important that we take a deeper dive into what coaching means, and how it looks different than counseling.
Coaching is often referred to as “life coaching,” which is an umbrella term for all things coaching. There are many different types of coaching including business coaching, couples coaching, wellness coaching, and performance coaching to name a few. There are a few things that stand out when differentiating between coaching and counseling.
Time Frame
Coaching is generally more designed to meet a specific goal one might have. For example, if your goal is to create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, you may want to explore wellness coaching to help achieve that goal. The time frame on this is generally more specific, whereas in counseling, the commitment to the work can sometimes be dependent on the therapeutic approach one might take and the goals of the client. Time commitment is usually laid out early on in the coaching relationship with specific goals along the way.
Performance vs. Emotion
Coaching generally addresses a bit of the emotional aspects that may be barriers to achieving your goal, however, if there are certain issues that come up with trauma or mental health, a coach will often refer the individual to also work with a licensed counselor. Performance or meeting a specific goal lends to deciding to commit to coaching over counseling. While emotions may show up, coaching works on identifying barriers and implementing systems to help one achieve that goal. Counseling focuses on the emotions that people experience and ways in which one can become aware of these emotions and regulate them.
Relationship with Coach/Counselor
The relationship one has with both the counselor and the coach is important. Both require building rapport and trust. In general, a coach might feel a bit more inclined to share more personal information than a counselor might.
Future Work vs. Past Work
We often consider counseling as a way to process past trauma and experiences and focus on the here and now. In general, it is less focused on what the future might look like. Coaching, on the other hand, looks at a future goal and identifies and implements tools to help one achieve that goal. There is not a lot of focus on past experiences or ways of being, but a drive to support one in achieving a specific goal or goals that have been put into place.
There is a place for both coaching and counseling in life depending on what you might be needed at the time and what goals you might have. This is something we can assess when you contact our practice and we take a look at what your needs and goals are. We are excited to begin providing the addition of coaching to Bridger Peaks Counseling starting in January of 2023. We are happy to support this community and recognize that there is a need to add coaching to the services we provide.
Begin Counseling in Bozeman
Searching for the right services that work best for you can be a long journey. But, taking the time to find the right support will make all the difference in the advantages counseling and coaching have to offer. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to offer support from our Bozeman, MT-based practice. To start working towards your goals or mental health, please follow these simple steps:
Meet with one of our professional Bozeman mental health therapists
Start addressing the issues that matter to you most!
Other Services Offered at our Bozeman, MT Practice
We know there are a number of things that you may seek support for in addition to coaching and counseling. We are happy to offer a variety of services including addiction treatment, group counseling sessions, EMDR and Somatic Experiencing for trauma therapy, marriage counseling and couples therapy, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, depression therapy, workshops, and more. Feel free to visit our blog to learn more!