Coaching vs Counselling

Counselling is more concerned about healing the emotional and mental issues such as grief, trauma, depression that are at the root of your suffering. Counselling addresses mental health issues as outlined in The Diagnostic and Statistical manual published by the American Psychiatric Association.

As a therapist, I enter the world of the client and help the client reframe and make new meaning of the events in their lives. Counselling is about healing attachment wounds and providing the reparative experience so people feel safe and worthy of all the good things life has to offer.

Coaching is about helping a person excel in their personal and professional lives. Coaching is more pro-active and directive. It’s about providing you with tools, strategies and exercises to help you overcome and sometimes challenge your limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviours. Coaching is not for those with a mental illness.

A brief summary

Coaching is action orientated, helping you set and achieve goals.
Counselling is orientated towards healing. It’s a deep dive into feelings and emotions.

Coaching is about how you think.
Counselling includes thinking and your feelings.

Coaching can be about challenging you.
Counselling is about supporting you (and within a safe space, might gently challenge you).

A coach is focused on your potential.
Counselling is helping you feel good about yourself and your life.

Both coaching and counselling focus on enhancing self-esteem and self-worth.