Can Coaching Replace Therapy?
Therapy and Coaching
Coaching is a different modality than therapy or working with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Topics that are outside of the realm of coaching include:
- Trauma, recent or past.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), recent or past.
- Addiction.
- Mental health diagnoses.
Many of our clients use coaching and therapy together (though from separate providers). A therapist can address deeper issues such as trauma, while the coaching can examine how to move towards self-improvement and achieving personal goals.
Coaching does not replace therapy. An ethical coach will not attempt to psychoanalyze you or diagnose conditions.
Pursuing clarity and self-improvement sometimes takes us back to our past and what shaped us, positively or negatively. But an ICF coach will never dig into your past or ask you to talk about past trauma.
Therapy might not be an option at this time.
For some people, therapy is difficult to afford. Therapists’ schedules are full, and many can’t take more patients. You might look for a qualified life coach instead of a therapist.
Coaching is about examining yourself: your beliefs, values, feelings, thoughts, and actions. Coaching is about trying new things, forging new paths, and always pursuing a better life. A happier life. A greater sense of purpose. Coaching starts with who and where you are today, and moves you deliberately towards the future you want to create.
For some people, this can replace therapy. For others, therapy is still suggested to handle the topics that are outside of coaching.