Written by: Beth Zabiegalski (They/Them)
While exploring services at Elements, you might notice that you have the option (among other things) of therapy OR coaching! If you’re not sure which to choose, let’s explore a few key differences.
Before diving in, note that many types of therapists and coaches exist, each with their own background and style, so this is not a universally-applicable differentiation and you will want to assess your options to find the provider and approach that best meets your needs!
We’re going to explore this metaphorically, so strap in for a fun ride…
The “Mechanic” vs “Driving Instructor”
Therapists are like car mechanics – they can get in there with you to support processing trauma, provide diagnoses, and help you understand why something might be happening.
In coaching, you’ll focus on your skills of “driving the car,” without needing to know the vehicle’s inner workings. The coach’s role is more like a driving instructor, supporting you in uncovering your own skills & resources as you explore, learning the “rules of the road,” and planning the hours you’ll put in “behind the wheel” outside of the session.
They’re both valuable and supportive functions that might be more aligned for you at different times!
Charting the Course
Therapy might be a more explorative container because you might go to a mechanic without knowing what is happening under the hood, and the mechanic can help you figure that out. You also might have specific therapeutic goals, which is great!
With a driving instructor, you likely have a specific goal, like getting your driver’s license or learning defensive driving skills. Similarly, coaching clients generally come in with a clear idea of the goals they want to pursue. Coaches do support in moving clients through stages of change and forming clear goals. However, coaching is a curiosity-driven and client-led process, so some coaches may have guidelines of only working with clients who are ready to take an active role in the process.
Navigating Your Journey
Working with a therapist is like ensuring your car is ready and running, or getting road-side assistance. Your mechanic needs to know more about what problems you’ve been experiencing with your car to determine what’s happening – as a therapist might need to know your background to support in processing trauma, diagnosing and treating mental illness.
Your driving instructor (coach) will rely on what you know about how your car works and may look under the hood with you at times, but taking the car apart is not recommended unless you’re working with someone who knows how to reassemble it (a therapist)!
The functions of your “car” absolutely play a role in coaching, but if there’s something that might affect your ability to “drive” from point A to point B, your coach will want to ensure that you know how to navigate any significant trauma or clinical-level challenges first so that your path toward progress on your coaching goals is clear – so you’ll have a smooth drive ahead of you!
You’re also welcome to work with both a coach and therapist at the same time if clinical needs are a factor in how you’ll be able to engage in the coaching process.
Always check with your coach what is and is not in their scope of practice and keep open lines of communication in case a reason for referral may come up.
Licensing and Training
Car mechanics operate under a set of regulations set out by the state. Similarly, therapists typically earn a degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a similar field. They are licensed to provide services in specific states and have to adhere to certain standards, ethics, and regulations.
Coaching, on the other hand, is an unregulated field and its professionals do not have to obtain licensure or specific qualifications to practice. They do adhere to a standard of ethics set out by certain professional organizations and get their training by obtaining certifications and credentials. Not surprisingly, this is also similar to the requirements of a driving instructor.
There is a lot of freedom in not being beholden to state-by-state regulations, and that also puts a lot of the responsibility on the clients to do their research and interview your coach (and therapist, too) before working together to ensure they have the approach, style, and background that you resonate with! While trained coaches will often offer education or resources to support your development of skills, they aren’t going to tell you what to do or offer a one-size-fits-all or quick-fix approach.
Whatever approach you choose, you have the power to navigate your journey with excellent support! At Elements in Pittsburgh, PA we offer both therapy and coaching so that clients can choose what is best for them.
If coaching may be a good fit for you, or someone you know, contact us today by filling out the contact form, calling 412-336-8832, or emailing info@elementspgh.com today to schedule an intake session.
The content in this blog does not replace professional medical or mental health treatment or diagnosis.
