Therapy, Counseling, and Coaching - Sherri Behr

If you’ve sought mental health support, you may have seen the terms therapy, counseling, and coaching. While they’re sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. 

Therapy and Counseling: 

Also called psychotherapy, both focus on mental health, emotional healing, and behavior change. Therapists and counselors are licensed professionals with postsecondary education, state licensure, and ongoing continuing education. They may be psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists. 

Therapy and counseling address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and mood disorders. These professionals are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using evidence based approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR. They are regulated by state licensing boards, such as Ohio’s CSWMFT Board.

Coaching: 

Coaching is not regulated or licensed in the same way. Coaches cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Coaching is typically future focused, goal oriented, and action based, making it well suited for individuals who are functioning well but want personal or professional growth. While licensed therapists may offer coaching, coaches cannot provide therapy. 

Which one is right for you?  

If you’re doing well and want support with goals or performance, coaching may be a good fit. If you’re feeling distressed, stuck, or have a history of trauma, therapy or counseling is likely more appropriate. There is no onesizefitsall option—your choice depends on your needs and current functioning. If unsure, a consultation with a licensed mental health professional can help guide your decision.