Coaching vs. Counseling – Which one is right for me?

Coaching is a helping profession, like counseling, social work, mentoring, consulting, and various therapy services.  The chart below is a brief summary of some of the differences between coaching and counseling. These differences can vary depending on the style of either the coach or the counselor. Counselors may use a more collaborative approach instead of being the expert and focus on client strengths and goals; coaches may use more prescriptive approaches. It’s helpful to work with someone whose style fits your needs.

When should you seek counseling instead of coaching?

You have a mental health concern that is impairing your ability to function in daily life.

Your symptoms fit one of the disorders identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (the DSM), and you wish to use insurance to pay for all or part of your treatment. 

You are seeking medication for your mental health symptoms and require either a diagnosis or medication management.

You experience suicidal or homicidal urges and you or others may be in danger. 

You have an active addiction, which will limit your progress in coaching.

Feel free to contact me at info@sharoncarrollcoaching.com if you have any questions or would like further clarification.