The Difference Between Coaching and Counseling

Coaching                                                                                                          Counseling
Future-focused                                                                                                  Past-focused
Solution-focused                                                                                                Problem-focused
Works towards outcomes                                                                                  Works towards emotions
Does not give advice                                                                                         Gives advice and recommendations
Asks the question “How can we change?”                                                         Asks the question “Why should we change?”
The client has the answers – assisted to find their own solutions                     The counselor has the answers –

                                                                                                                                  gives diagnosis and treatment
Backtracking – using client language and tone to recap important                    Paraphrasing – restatement of a statement or text               words or phrases                                                                                               using other words

While it is important to note that these professions are different in a number of ways, there is no reason to suggest that one is better than the other or that they cannot coexist. In fact, there may be certain occasions where an individual feels they need the services of one and are referred to the other for more suitable services. 

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Coaching vs. Counseling

What will a Coach help you with?

​A coach will help you to grow or improve in any area of your life, in which you are not held back by the problems described below. In other words, if you want to change your lifestyle, reach success, or take control of your life, then a coach is best for you. If you have emotional issues caused by the way you interact with the world in general, then a counselor is needed.

​As a coach, I will challenge you. You will clarify what you want and take the time to find out what success in life means to you. I will assist you in clarifying your vision and the steps to get there, as well as help you to discover a life of development and accomplishment, both personally and professionally.

As a coach I will sponsor you towards the ownership of skill-sets that encourage and support your to increase productivity, productiveness and effectiveness. The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as:

“…partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment. Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach's responsibility is to:

✓ Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve
✓ Encourage client self-discovery
✓ Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
✓ Hold the client responsible and accountable

This process helps clients dramatically improve their outlook on work and life, while improving your leadership skills and unlocking your potential.

What will a Counselor help you with?

​A counselor will usually help you with thinking, behavioral, or emotional problems that you may have. These could have been caused by an illness, a trauma, or some kind of imbalance  – usually, they come from a force which you cannot control.