The difference between coaching and therapy (counseling) can be confusing. There are aspects of the two that may seem similar and there are also distinct differences. Coaching is very much focused on the here and now, and is a proactive process in solving current problems and relational dynamics. On the other hand, counselors and therapists treat diagnosable mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction and personality disorders. Relational or personal life coaching is different from counseling in that it requires a level of capacity in the client, and that the client can tolerate the process of direct input without it overwhelming them or compromising their general functioning.

While effective coaching sometimes addresses family of origin patterns and history, including understanding past difficult or unpleasant situations, it does so with an aim to uncover capacity and potential within the client with a forward focus on the client living up to their relational and personal potential and with the purpose of actively helping clients with their personal process of change and human development.

Coaches are not licensed or regulated (in most of the United States) and most coaches have not been trained to treat mental health disorders. The work of coaches, and coaching, is not medical or mental health treatment and does not fall under the health insurance requirement of “medical necessity” and so is not reimbursable by insurance. Psychologists, counselors and therapists are trained, and subsequently licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and the mental health treatment they provide is usually covered by health insurance.

Whilst I am a well-trained and Licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist in Nebraska (and some other States), when I am coaching individuals and couples, I am not providing mental health treatment. If coaching clients also have mental health issues, they will need to see a mental health provider concurrently and if that need becomes apparent during the coaching work, appropriate referrals will be made.