Coaching vs Therapy

Therapy Coaching
Assumes the client needs healing Assumes the client is whole
Has roots in medicine and psychiatry Has roots in sports, business and personal growth venues
Works with people to achieve self-understanding and emotional healing Works to move people to a higher level of functioning
Focuses on feelings and past events Focuses on actions and the future
Focuses on internal resolution of pain and to let go of old patterns Focuses on solving problems through internal and external resolution to release old patterns
Works to bring the unconscious into consciousness Works mostly with the conscious mind
Assumes the client is whole Works for solutions to overcome barriers, learn new skills and implement effective choices
Adapted from Hayden and Whitworth, 1995