What is Coaching?

Coaching is a non-directive, person-centered, strength-based, collaborative support intended to help functional clients achieve meaningful goals. Coaching provides the structural support clients need to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching emphasizes autonomy, choice, and trust.

Clients come to coaching with an interest in self-improvement or measurable progress. Through coaching, clients find insight and direction to identify practical means to reach their goals. The coach guides and supports the client’s planned, intentional, and purposeful action toward achievement.

Coaching clients are ready, willing, and able to do the work inherent in the coaching process. They are committed to achieving the outcomes they seek.

Coaching vs Counseling

Coaches and counselors share a common goal – to enhance well-being and outcomes for those they work with. Some counselors are also coaches. Some coaches are also counselors, and have degrees that support their efficacy. Deciding which is the best fit for the client depends on their current state of functioning and their goals for change. It is possible that the same client may work with a counselor for one mental health need, and a coach to address different needs and goals – if the client’s clinical issue is well-managed. The counselor may work with the client to address the clinical issue, such as depression, while the coach works with the client around goals that matter to ongoing progress, such as finding clarity around parenting, career choices, life changes, etc. To learn more about the differences, please continue reading!

Counseling

Coaching

  • The struggles with dysfunction related to psychological issues, concerns, or symptoms that interfere with daily tasks.
  • The client needs help coping, alleviating pain, or distress related to trauma, disorders, or illness.
  • The client wants to work through the problems and get back to normalcy
  • The client is looking for a mental health professional to help them overcome and live well again.
  • The client is functional and manages daily tasks.
  • The client copes well with emotional and psychological issues.
  • The client wants to be grow, or set and achieve higher goals.
  • The client wants to improve performance, relationships, or life satisfaction.
  • The client is looking for a success partner to help facilitate the next level of growth or change.