I always aim to simplify, not because I believe my readers need it, but because simplicity is essential in many areas of my life. Whether it’s the size of my home, the food I prepare, the clothes in my closet, or how I spend my time, simplicity keeps me grounded.
When deciding whether to commit to weekly sessions with a therapist or work with a coach, it’s important to consider what you need. Let’s break down the two professions to help guide your decision.
Therapy
As a psychotherapist, I begin each session with a simple question: “What do you want to get out of today’s session?” From there, I do my best to help clients achieve that. Psychotherapy often provides a safe space where you can feel validated, express yourself without fear of judgment, and work through your emotions. It can feel like a confessional, except without the rituals – there’s no forgiveness to grant, no darkness, and no incense – just a space to talk.
Sometimes, therapy is about finding clarity. You might wonder, “Am I going insane?” and seek reassurance. Other times, you need guidance on handling conflicts. Many come to therapy because they recognize patterns in their behavior rooted in the past and want to address them. Ultimately, knowing what you seek before entering a session is key, and my role is to support you in that process.
Coaching
Coaching, on the other hand, is entirely different. The best way to understand coaching is to think about sports. You hire a coach because you want to improve at something specific – let’s call it “X”. You’re clear on what “X” is, and you recognize you need help to achieve it. You’ve likely tried to do it on your own, but it hasn’t worked. So, you seek out someone with expertise who can guide you.
One of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of coaching is accountability. A coach holds you accountable and expects results. The main obstacle between you and your goal is often a lack of self-discipline and accountability. You may know what needs to change but struggle to implement that change on your own. Coaching helps bridge that gap.
Bottom Line
Therapy helps you go from okay to good, without a fixed timeline or specific goal. It’s about feeling satisfied and at peace.
Coaching, however, involves having a clear goal, the humility to recognize you can’t achieve it alone, and the commitment to stay accountable. It’s about craving change and showing up each week, excited to make progress. Essentially, coaching acts as the catalyst that allows you to go from good to great.