Therapy Vs. Coaching, What is the Difference?!
What is Therapy?
Therapy effectively treats the full range of mental health concerns and emotional disorders. This may include but is not limited to Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and many others. Should only those with diagnosable mental health disorders seek therapy? Absolutely not. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone and everyone would benefit from therapy. While not everyone has a diagnosable disorder, we all have wounds, unhealthy habits, grief, and struggle with other life experiences that would benefit from time spent in therapy.
I am very solution focused and psychoeducational in my therapeutic approach, which simply means that I love concrete goals and sharing resources to help my clients succeed. Because of this, my personal transition from therapist to coach was a natural one. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida, and also provide coaching services for clients around the world.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a process that focuses on goal setting, achieving a personal best and producing desired results. A coach helps those with a specific problem, that is not a diagnosable mental health disorder. This may be a life, relationship or family problem that the client would like help in solving. While a therapist may also be a coach, a coach cannot also be a therapist. Mental health professionals, such as therapists, are best equipped to serve as a coach. They bring extensive training, qualifications and experience to the role, and can address specific issues accordingly.
As a coach, I am blessed to work with incredible people both domestically and internationally. It is a great joy to see my clients begin living a life of true peace, passion and purpose, as I coach them through the process.
What qualifications does a therapist need?
To become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists we:
Complete an undergraduate degree in a related field of study
Complete a masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy
Complete an internship and externship, under supervision, while in graduate school
Complete 100 hours of supervision post-graduation
Complete 1500 face-to-face working hours with clients
Pass the Marriage and Family Therapy State License Exam
There are therapists who have different educational backgrounds in addition to Marriage and Family Therapy, such as Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists. These clinicians also have the background both educationally and experientially to work as a therapist in the state where they are licensed.
What qualifications does a coach need?
NONE, which is scary. While there are certification programs for different types of coaching, anyone can call themselves a coach and begin coaching at any time. There are no state regulations on this title as there are for therapists. This does not mean that coaching is not legitimate, or that it wouldn't be helpful, but knowledge is power. If you are considering hiring a coach, please make sure you know their qualifications, read reviews, get recommendations, and talk to them personally. You can then make an informed decision on who you feel most comfortable with as your coach.
So what’s the bottom line?
Both therapy and coaching are beautiful and helpful tools for personal growth. The two serve different purposes and now that you understand those differences, you can make the right decision in pursuing what would be best for you! It is an honor to serve my clients, helping them begin to live the life that God has planned for them!
The educational and experiential background that I have gives me the confidence to work with clients as both a licensed therapist in Florida and a coach globally. Please explore this website, follow me on instagram @melissagracetablada, and feel free to contact me directly with any additional questions or concerns.