What is coaching and how does it differ from talk therapy?

In recent years, coaching has become a very popular option for folks that would like to work on specific concerns, but don't want therapy and/or their concerns are not generally considered eligible for therapy. Insurance companies are making it increasingly challenging for providers to actually provide care, especially if that care includes ancestral practices or shifts over into life areas that are not deemed suitable for therapy. Therefore, many providers have decided to fully pivot to coaching or have added it to their practice to supplement their current offerings. Below I'll outline some important differences so you know which option is the better fit for you. 

Insurance

Coaching is not covered by insurance

Therapy is covered by insurance, however some individuals may choose not to use their insurance due to the requirements (identified patient, diagnosis, risk of having to submit documentation) and risk of insurance denying claims

Location

Coaching can be provided to adults anywhere in the world

Therapy can only be provided in states or countries where the provider is licensed 

Past vs the Present

Coaching is generally focused on the present and resolving concerns that are impacting an individual's life at this time

Therapy can address concerns in the present, while also spending a lot of time exploring and processing events from the past

Duration

Coaching is generally a short-term arrangement. This can mean agreeing to meet for a set length of time (such as 90 days) or in some cases doing sessions on a drop-in/as needed basis

Therapy is generally a long-term arrangement, though there is not a widely-used standard for how long that actually is. Some providers prefer to meet for several years (I've heard of some therapists having clients for 10+ years) while others prefer to only meet for a few before referring out

Credentials of the Provider

Coaching is not a regulated field, meaning there is no credentialing body that oversees them and ensures they are providing adequate, appropriate and ethical care. This means that anyone can call themself a coach and they are not required to have any higher education or training in that area. I would definitely recommend seeking certified coaches in certain cases, such as sex and relationship coaching

Therapy is a highly regulated field that requires providers to possess at least a Master's Degree, pass a licensure exam, complete continuing education courses to stay up to date with current developments in the field and is overseen by a regulating board that can revoke a provider's license in certain circumstances. Therapists are bound to very specific ethical regulations that ensure they do not cause harm 

Clinical vs Non-Clinical 

Coaching is not designed to address clinical concerns, such as severe mental health concerns. Coaches cannot diagnose participants and cannot prescribe medications. While coaches can absolutely work with participants with mental health concerns and assist them in developing relapse prevention plans or identifying coping strategies, they are not qualified to provide treatment. If the coach believes the participant is at risk, they are not obligated to inform any local agencies or the authorities. Some coaches have their participants complete a safety plan where they agree on what to do if the coach believes they are at risk

Therapists are trained to provide treatment for mental health concerns and in some cases are trained to screen and diagnose. Psychiatrists sometimes provide talk therapy and are able to prescribe medications. Therapists complete several years of higher education and training so that they are equipped to navigate potentially high-risk situations. Therapists are also mandated reporters, meaning they are ethically obligated to inform the necessary agencies if they believe the participant is at risk of harming themselves or someone else. This can look like calling 911 or the participant's local child protective services and making a report 

Working with Both

Coaches often encourage participants to create a holistic team for their care, which can include a therapist, psychiatrist, bodyworkers, energy workers and other coaches

Therapists also encourage participants to create a care team, however some therapists do not encourage participants to see more than one therapist at a time. In some cases, participants attend talk therapy with one therapist, while receiving specialized therapy from another provider such as a sex therapist, a therapist trained in medically assisted therapy or a therapist who provides EMDR