I’m both a licensed therapist and a motivational and behavioral coach with more than 30,000 hours of experience in the two fields combined. Coaching is a goal-oriented and collaborative process aimed at helping individuals realize their potential and achieve specific objectives.
Unlike therapy, which often addresses past issues, coaching is forward-looking, concentrating on the current situation and future goals. It revolves around identifying challenges, leveraging strengths, and creating a strategic roadmap for success. As a coach, I serve as a collaborative partner in achieving your goals. The coaching relationship is built on trust, open communication, and a shared vision and commitment to your growth.
Coaching is a goal-oriented and collaborative process aimed at helping individuals realize their potential and achieve specific objectives.
Key Distinctions Between Coaching and Therapy
There are some similarities between coaching and therapy and some distinct and important differences. Coaching is an unregulated field and there are no educational requirements and no oversight of the profession. Anyone can call themselves a “coach.” Licensed therapists have a master’s degree at minimum and then go through a few thousand hours of training before testing and finally becoming licensed. Coaches can see people anywhere and therapists can only work with people who reside in the state in which they are licensed.
Below is more detail about how therapy and coaching differ from one another.
Future-Focused vs. Past-Centric
Coaching is future-oriented, focusing on setting goals and devising plans to achieve them. Unlike therapy, which may delve into past traumas or issues, coaching emphasizes the present and future.
Problem-Solving and Action-Oriented
Coaching is solution-driven, with an emphasis on identifying obstacles and creating actionable plans for improvement. Therapeutic approaches also incorporate this but often involve exploring emotions and understanding the origins of issues.
Empowerment and Self-Discovery
Coaching empowers individuals by fostering self-discovery. Through increased self-awareness, you gain insights into your values, strengths, and aspirations, laying the foundation for informed decision-making.
Accountability and Progress Tracking
Coaching provides a structured framework with regular check-ins to monitor progress. Coaches hold clients accountable for commitments made, ensuring continuous growth and momentum towards objectives.
Holistic Growth
Both coaching and therapy acknowledge the interconnected nature of personal and professional domains of life, but therapy can spend more time concentrating on how your past experiences in these areas have impacted you. Coaching focuses more on how behavioral changes will positively impact these areas moving forward.
Differences Between Motivational and Behavioral Coaching
Motivational coaching and behavioral coaching are two distinct approaches that focus on different aspects of an individual’s development. I feel they are both needed to move clients forward towards their goals and I incorporate both in my style of coaching. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:
Focus and Goal Orientation
Motivational: Primarily centers around inspiring and energizing you to identify and pursue your goals. Motivational coaches help you tap into your internal drive, passion, and enthusiasm to take action and achieve desired outcomes.
Behavioral: Concentrates on observable behaviors and the actions you take to reach your goals. It involves analyzing and modifying specific behaviors to enhance performance and bring about positive change.
Internal vs. External Factors
Motivational: Emphasizes internal factors such as beliefs, values, and motivation. I help clients discover and leverage their intrinsic motivations to overcome challenges and move forward.
Behavioral: Looks at external factors influencing behavior, often employing strategies to modify specific actions and habits. This approach might involve setting clear, measurable goals and implementing behavioral changes to achieve them.
Philosophical vs. Practical Approach
Motivational: Often involves exploring philosophical positions, such as mindset, self-belief, and self-talk. Motivational coaches help clients develop a positive and empowered mindset to fuel their actions.
Behavioral: Takes a more practical and action-oriented approach. It involves breaking down goals into manageable steps, identifying specific behaviors hindering progress, and implementing strategies to change those behaviors.
Measuring Success
Motivational: Success is often measured by the client’s level of motivation, commitment, and the initiation of action towards their goals.
Behavioral: Success is measured by observable changes in behavior, whether it’s adopting new habits, improving performance, or achieving specific outcomes.
Ready to Get Started?
In practice, I integrate elements of both motivational and behavioral coaching because I feel one is incomplete without the other. If you think you might be interested in the opportunity of coaching with me, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or book an appointment online.