Support guide
Coaching vs therapy
Coaching and therapy can both be valuable, but they are not the same thing. Use this guide to choose the right kind of support for your current need.
Coaching may fit when...
- You want help clarifying a goal or decision.
- You want structure, reflection, planning, or accountability.
- You are working on habits, confidence, leadership, career direction, communication, or follow-through.
- You are stable enough to take action between sessions.
Therapy may fit when...
- You need diagnosis, treatment, or clinical support.
- You are dealing with trauma, severe distress, safety concerns, or symptoms that affect daily functioning.
- You need help processing past events in a therapeutic setting.
- You need a licensed professional who can provide mental health care.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Is my main need action planning or clinical care?
- Do I need a licensed provider for safety, diagnosis, or treatment?
- Am I able to take practical steps between sessions?
- Would coaching be helpful alongside therapy, or would it distract from needed care?
- Can the coach clearly explain what is inside and outside their scope?
Use the right support
Coaching is not emergency care, medical care, mental health treatment, legal advice, or financial advice. Choose a licensed or regulated professional when that is what the situation requires.
Check coaching readiness