When it comes to reaching your goals, there are two main options: therapy and coaching. While both can be beneficial, they have different focuses and approaches. Generally speaking, coaching is more about helping you achieve your future objectives, while psychotherapy tends to concentrate on the past and the present. Therapy is introspective and often less goal-oriented than coaching.
Therapy usually focuses on understanding why things are the way they are. It involves discussing emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns with a therapist. On the other hand, coaching is more focused on helping you move forward and reach your goals. It involves working with a coach who has completed the necessary education, training, and standards. Before deciding whether to enter into a therapeutic relationship with a former coaching client or a coaching relationship with a therapy client, it would be wise to consult with a member of the CAMFT Legal Department and request clinical consultation from colleagues.
According to section 4.8 of the CAMFT Code of Ethics, marriage and family therapists, when performing professional functions other than treatment or supervision (including, but not limited to, training), act only within that function and clarify, as necessary, in order to avoid confusion with consumers and employers. The goal of coaching isn't necessarily to go back and address it, heal it, or change it. Instead, it's about helping you move forward from today's starting point to succeed tomorrow. Professional associations such as the International Federation of Coaches (ICF) and the International Association of Coaches (IAC) have been created to help guide practice. A personal trainer can be beneficial when it comes to improving certain skills and generating motivation to achieve your goals. One of the differences between life coaches and therapists is that therapists can only serve clients who live in the state in which they are licensed.
Consider going to therapy if you want to be cured or get help with a mental health problem; try life coaching if you need help to “unplug” or develop your full potential. It's important to understand the difference between personal counseling and therapy to know what services you need. Coaches (including therapists who practice coaching) will be very interested in knowing what the “source material” of their clients is and will want to know what life experiences have led you to where you are. On the other hand, most life coaching focuses on helping you pursue your passions or freeing you from stagnation or stagnation.
