What is the difference between counseling and coaching?
Generally, counseling is insight-oriented ("Why?") and coaching is accomplishment-oriented. ("What?" and "How?")
If you have specific changes to make, or concrete goals to implement, coaching will be useful. If you struggle with your mood or anxiousness, have decisions to make, relationships to improve, patterns to understand and change, etc, counseling is something to consider.
More about counseling….
Unfortunately, many people in our society still see counseling as something for the mentally ill – or only for when something horrible is happening. In fact, by discussing life events, emotions, relationships, thoughts, patterns, unresolved issues, etc, you can feel differently, change behaviors and improve your life.
More about coaching….
Coaching is action-oriented. It will help you focus on what you want, set goals and create a plan to implement those goals. (For example, you may want to remodel your basement or start your own business, but be overwhelmed with details or just can’t get started.)
Part of coaching is accountability, so you’ll be asked to share what actions you’ve taken. If you agree to do something yet don’t, we’ll explore what got in your way and what to do differently.
Finally, coaching is not therapy, so if it seems unresolved issues are slowing you down, you may be asked to consider counseling.