Therapy vs. Coaching: Finding the Right Support for Your Journey

When it comes to personal growth and mental wellness, finding the right support can make all the difference. But with so many options available—therapy, coaching, guides, mentors—how do you know what you actually need?

As someone who has sat on both sides of the relationship (as a clinical mental health counselor and as a client as well as a coach and a coachee), I’ve experienced firsthand the nuances between different types of support. Today, I want to share some insights to help you navigate this decision.

My Journey from Therapy to Coaching

My own path through different kinds of support began when I was a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling. Despite training to become a therapist, I had never actually been in therapy myself. Wanting to experience the client perspective, I found a therapist who took my insurance.

What started as an educational exercise quickly became essential support when my mother experienced a psychotic break and was involuntarily committed to a mental health hospital. Having an established relationship with my therapist during this crisis was invaluable—she helped me navigate the situation and even facilitated a joint session with my mother.

But after ten sessions, I hit a roadblock: my insurance allocation ran out. Despite not feeling “done” with my healing process, according to my diagnosis of “adjustment disorder,” my insurance decided I was.

This led me to explore coaching, where I wouldn’t be limited by insurance determinations. The coach I found approached healing in a different way—she incorporated bodywork and somatic practices. In one particularly powerful session, she facilitated a conversation with my knee (which had undergone two surgeries). When she began speaking to my knee through me, I unexpectedly burst into tears, saying, “I’m doing the best I can. I’m sorry I’m letting you down.”

This moment transformed both my personal healing journey and my professional approach. I realized I couldn’t go back to work that didn’t involve the body in the conversation.

The Highway Metaphor: Understanding the Difference

Explaining the difference between therapy and coaching is hard and there are lots of varying opinions! With that said, I use this metaphor:

Therapy is like being broken down on the side of the highway. Your car isn’t working, you can’t move forward or backward, or you may potentially be in an acute crisis. You need immediate help to get functioning again.

Coaching is for when you’re moving along but keep taking the same undesirable exit, or your car is sputtering, or you consistently end up at destinations you didn’t intend to reach. You’re functional but stuck in patterns that aren’t serving you.

What’s Right for You?

Here are some reflection points to consider when deciding what type of support you need:

Consider therapy if:

• You’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
• You’re in crisis or trauma response
• You’re struggling with basic functioning
• You might benefit from medication management
• You need help developing foundational coping skills

Consider coaching (or a guide) if:

• You’re generally functioning well, but feel stuck in certain patterns
• You’ve done some inner work already and are ready for the next level
• You want someone who can share more of their personal journey and experiences
• You’d benefit from support between scheduled sessions
• You’re looking for someone to challenge you directly and lovingly

Beyond Labels: The Importance of Connection

After years as a therapist and now working more as what I’d call a “trusted guide,” I’ve found that titles matter less than connection. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance—the relationship between provider and client—is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes.

This means your connection with the person supporting you matters more than their formal credentials. Do you feel seen and understood by them? Do they embody the principles they teach? Have they walked the path themselves?

I’ve worked with brilliant therapists who transformed my life and expensive coaches who left me disappointed. The difference wasn’t their title—it was whether they were truly present, embodied their teachings, and created a container where I felt both supported and challenged.

When It’s Time for a Change

If you’re currently working with a therapist or coach and feeling stagnant, bring it up! A skilled provider will either help shift the work to meet your current needs or support you in transitioning to someone who can better serve you now.

Remember that different seasons of life call for different types of support. What served you well during crisis may not be what you need to thrive.

Finding Your Right Support

Whether you choose therapy, coaching, or work with a guide, the most important factors are:

1. Do they have both professional training and personal experience?
2. Do they embody the growth they’re guiding you through?
3. Do you feel a genuine connection with them?
4. Is their approach aligned with your current needs?

The right support can transform your journey—helping you not just heal what’s broken, but flourish in ways you never imagined possible.

If you’re curious about what working together might look like, including our new FLOURISH with extra support, I’d love to chat. This 12-month integration-focused program now includes six one-on-one calls to deepen your experience and personalize your growth journey.