One of the most common questions I receive is: “Should I choose therapy or coaching?”
Both are powerful tools for growth, healing, and personal development, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for your unique needs. Let’s break it down.
What Is Therapy?
Therapy is designed to support individuals, couples, and families in working through emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. It can effectively treat concerns such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and grief
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Relationship and family conflict
- Life transitions and identity struggles
However, therapy is not only for those with a formal diagnosis. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. We all carry wounds, habits, losses, and experiences that shape how we think, relate, and live. Therapy provides a safe, structured space to understand those patterns and grow in healthy ways.
My therapeutic approach is solution-focused and psychoeducational. This means I emphasize clear goals, practical tools, and helpful resources so my clients feel empowered and supported in real-life change. I also pull tools from many other modalities depending on the need of a client, such as narrative therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and more.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide therapy for couples and individuals in the state of Florida, and also provide coaching services for clients worldwide.
What Is Coaching?
Coaching focuses on growth, goal-setting, and forward movement. It is designed for individuals who are emotionally stable and looking to:
- Clarify direction
- Strengthen relationships
- Improve habits and routines
- Pursue personal or vocational goals
- Increase confidence and purpose
Coaching is not intended to treat mental health disorders. Instead, it supports people who are ready to take action and want guidance, accountability, and encouragement along the way. While some therapists also offer coaching, not all coaches are trained therapists. Mental health professionals bring clinical training, ethical standards, and deep relational insight into the coaching space.
As a coach, I am blessed to work with clients around the world and walk alongside them as they grow in peace, passion, and purpose.
What Qualifications Does a Therapist Need?
To become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, clinicians must complete extensive education, training, and supervision, including:
- An undergraduate degree in a related field
- A graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Supervised internship and externship during graduate school
- Post-graduate supervision hours
- Extensive face-to-face clinical experience
- Passing a state licensing exam
Other licensed professionals, such as Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists, complete similar rigorous training in their respective fields. Licensure ensures that therapists meet professional, legal, and ethical standards in the state where they practice.
What Qualifications Does a Coach Need?
Legally, none. There are no state regulations governing the title “coach.” While many reputable certification programs exist, anyone may call themselves a coach at any time.
This does not mean coaching is ineffective or unhelpful. Many coaches do excellent work. However, it does mean that clients should be informed and discerning. If you are considering hiring a coach, I strongly encourage you to:
- Ask about their training and background
- Read reviews and testimonials
- Request recommendations
- Schedule a consultation
- Ensure their values align with yours
Making an informed choice protects your time, money, and emotional well-being.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
Both therapy and coaching are valuable paths toward growth.
Therapy may be right for you if you:
- Are struggling emotionally
- Feel stuck in unhealthy patterns
- Are processing trauma, grief, or mental health concerns
- Want deeper healing and self-understanding
Coaching may be right for you if you:
- Are emotionally well
- Want clarity and direction
- Are ready for action and accountability
- Are pursuing specific personal or relational goals
Many people benefit from both at different seasons of life.
How I Serve My Clients
My education, clinical training, and professional experience allow me to serve clients as both a licensed therapist in Florida and a coach worldwide. This integrated background gives me a unique ability to support healing, growth, and long-term transformation.It is truly an honor to walk alongside my clients as they step into the life God has planned for them. I invite you to explore my website (lots of free resources for you here!!), follow me on Instagram at @melissagracetablada, and reach out with any questions. I would love to help you discern the next right step for your journey.
