Counselling, psychotherapy, and recovery coaching are all words that people use interchangeably to describe the services they offer. Although these three terms are often used synonymously, there is actually some difference between them. With counselling and psychotherapy, clients typically discuss their thoughts or feelings with a counsellor or therapist to work through problems. The counselling sessions can be shorter-term (lasting between one and ten weeks) or longer-term (lasting for months or years). In contrast, coaching involves a coach working with an individual to set goals and develop plans on how best to reach those goals. Coaches may also provide feedback during the relationship so that clients have an opportunity to reflect on their progress. Although counselling and coaching may seem remarkably similar, counselling is typically a form of psychotherapy.
Counselling
With counselling, clients discuss their thoughts or feelings with a counsellor to work through problems. The counselling sessions can be shorter-term (lasting between one and ten weeks) or longer-term (lasting for months or years).
Recovery Coaching
In contrast, coaching involves an individual working with a coach to set goals and develop plans on how best to reach those goals. Coaches may also provide feedback during the coaching relationship so that clients have an opportunity to reflect on their progress. Although counselling and coaching may seem remarkably similar, counselling is typically a form of psychotherapy.
Counsellors use different techniques to help people work through problems such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies like dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and more traditional talk therapy which involves discussing one’s thoughts or feelings with a counsellor to work through issues. In contrast, coaches primarily provide support during goal setting and planning how best to reach those goals; providing feedback along the way so that clients can reflect on their progress. Although counselling and coaching may seem terribly similar, counselling is typically a form of psychotherapy.
Addictions
Counselling is the process of talking to someone about your problems and life experiences while receiving guidance from them on how to solve those problems or make better choices for yourself (The American Psychological Association). Psychotherapy implies an ongoing relationship between therapist and client which helps clients uncover their deep-seated feelings such as grief, anger, frustration etc (Psychology Today). Coaching also requires conversations but focuses more on problem-solving through goal setting and accountability rather than delving into personal emotions (Leadership Now).
There are some distinct differences between counselling and coaching: counselling aims at making you understand who you really are and what you want to do in life and is about exploring the root cause of your problem. Coaching focuses on problem-solving, goal-setting coaching builds confidence and personal motivation.
Accountability
In counselling, the counsellor acts as a guide or facilitator while coaching requires you to be proactive in your own life with accountability from the coach. The purpose of counselling is usually long-term problem solving through exploration whereas coaching offers short term solutions that may lead to more permanent changes over time without delving into emotional issues too much (The Balance). Contact us if you are interested in learning more.
