What is Coaching?
Coaching and therapy are distinct approaches to personal development and mental health, each serving different purposes and addressing different needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences
Goals
Coaching focuses on achieving specific goals, improving performance, and personal or professional development. The goals in coaching are typically concrete, measurable, and action-oriented. For example, a person might seek coaching to advance their career or improve their leadership skills.
Therapy aims to address psychological issues, emotional struggles, and mental health concerns, but it can and does also focus on following concrete steps to achieve specific goals. In addition, Therapy deals with diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, unresolved trauma, and emotional difficulties. The goals in therapy are often about healing, understanding oneself, and overcoming psychological barriers. For example, someone might go to therapy to work through depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues.
Approach
Coaching is typically structured and directive. It involves creating actionable plans, setting goals, and being accountable for progress.
Therapy can follow any number of well-researched and evidence-based approaches that vary from exploratory and reflective to very structured. Therapy may involve discussing past experiences, exploring emotions, and understanding patterns of behavior. Therapists use various psychological theories and methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic approaches, depending on the client's needs.
Qualifications & Regulations
Coaches may or may not have formal qualifications in psychology or counseling. Certification from coaching organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) is common, but not mandatory. As the coaching industry is largely unregulated, coaches are not typically required to adhere to standards for licensing, education, program accreditation, or ethical conduct.
Therapists are licensed professionals with formal education and training in psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatry. They hold degrees (e.g., PhD, PsyD, MSW, MS) and are licensed by state or national boards. Therapy is highly regulated, with strict ethical guidelines, licensure requirements, and ongoing supervision or continuing education.
When You Should Choose Therapy Instead of Coaching
Mental Health Concerns: If someone is dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or other psychological disorders, therapy is the appropriate choice. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Emotional Healing: If a person needs to process past traumas, understand complex emotional issues, or explore deep-seated psychological patterns, therapy is the better option.
Behavioral Change: If someone is struggling with harmful behaviors, addictions, or severe relationship difficulties, therapy can provide the necessary support and treatment.
Safety and Ethics: In cases where a person’s mental health is at risk, a licensed therapist can provide a safe, ethical, and structured environment for healing.
What Services can Shannon Grimsley Provide?
Shannon Grimsley holds a master of science degree in counseling psychology. She is licensed to provide mental health therapy services in the states of Pennsylvania (LPC), Maryland (LCPC), and Kentucky (LPCC). Shannon Grimsley is a therapist; she does not offer coaching. Ready to begin therapy services? Click the button below.