Coaching or Therapy; What is the better fit?

Have you found yourself rifling through my Instagram/website and wondering what the hell is even the difference between coaching and therapy? Why on earth should I be working with a coach if my insurance covers therapy?

Oh man, the questions are endless and confusing, well lucky for you I am here to clarify all the things!!!

Before deciding what is best fit for you let us break down what the key differences are for these two supportive roles!!

A therapist is someone who can perform clinical assessment, diagnose, and are licensed treat with DSM V mental health diagnosis using evidence based interventions (addressing symptoms and behaviors that are a direct result of your diagnosis). Therapists are educated with a minimum of a master's degree in psychology or counseling, in the states they offer services in.

Therapists complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice and are bound by ethical codes that govern their conduct. If a therapist behaves inappropriately or makes a mistake, there is recourse through filing a complaint with the state licensing board.

They can assist you using hundreds of science and research-proven methods like cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive processing therapy, just to name a few.

Coaches often work with a very specific population or demographic of people based on their own education or experiences. They don’t offer insurance coverage and they typically adopt a practice of working with a specific client base. The client selects their coach based on an approach developed by the coach, that attracts specific people and their needs. “Little more niche” ooohh lala. Therapists typically develop a niche practice after specialty training and certifications (if they desire to).

Therapists are well-versed in coordinating with doctors when necessary and work with other professionals they can refer you to when needed. Therapists are also bound by ethics and state and federal law to maintain your privacy and confidentiality.

Coaching is an unregulated profession. At present, there are no state licensing boards or universally accepted standards of education or training for coaches. A coach may or may not hold an advanced degree or any certificate in coaching (make sure you ask). Since life coaching is unregulated, it is not a profession with a minimum acceptable standard of ongoing education or training for its members. Coaches can't be paneled with health insurance companies, and so the cost of coaching is up to the client.

Wellness coaches shouldn't work with individuals experiencing severe mental health diagnosis. However, they can help you with coping/management strategies when appropriate to improve performance, develop your potential, help you with solutions, provide direction, and with assistance in goal setting.

This is where you may consider a cross over between the two professions...

Now let’s discuss areas where the two fields really cross over…

Therapists & coaches collaborate with clients to develop strengths-based objectives, and in providing skill building for communication, problem-solving, and goal setting. Both professions may help you probe relationship and career issues depending on the coach but most certainly with a therapist. Both will work with you to reach your potential and develop you as an individual.

What Services Do They Provide?

As mentioned above, therapists provide a health service and are trained to do so, but they also provide all the same services that life coaches do. If you have an emotional or mental health problem that is inhibiting you from performing your daily living tasks and qualifies as a DSM-5 diagnosis- especially ones like phobic disorders, substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder that can put you at a greater risk of other health concerns - a therapist will be able to help you in a more appropriate manner.

PSA: You do not need to qualify for a Mental Health diagnosis to work with a therapist you may not get your treatment covered by insurance and you may end up paying more for a therapist in this situation than a coach. (just depends)

Many people go to therapy and have a coach for additional support. There is no harm in having both it’s really about your process and your goals.

The added benefit of working with a coach is they may have a level of relatability. A coach will be able to self-disclose and develop a more open relationship with you where a therapist would be limited by laws and ethics.

Many people don't think they need therapy, or therapy isn't for them, well.... consider finding a coach that fits your needs!

Eike as a Wellness Coach?

After reading this you will also come to know that Eike (Wellness Coach) does in fact have a higher degree in clinical mental health and works as a therapist in community mental health setting. This leads to an unusual benefit given that she is able to maintain basic ethical principles within the coaching realm that most coaches would not necessarily uphold. She also has the professional skill base to determine if in fact clients would be better suited for clinical support if need be.

She does not diagnose, and she does not do clinical assessments in her coaching work however, she does use her education to understand anxiety and stress-related illness. She also provides a list of resources and will connect you with other practitioners when needed. She believes in a holistic approach to wellbeing and coaching has allowed her the freedom to provide that type of support.

Want to work with EIKE?

CLICK HERE