Coaching or Therapy: What’s the Difference When Working with Trauma?

I’m asked this question a lot. As a coach, it’s important to know the difference between coaching and therapy. When it comes to addressing trauma, individuals often seek support from professionals who specialise in coaching or therapy. While both coaching and therapy can be valuable tools for healing, it is important to understand the key differences between the two approaches.

To do this, you need to be clear about the focus and purpose of your practice. If you’re not clear, you risk trying to do everything for everyone and crossing boundaries. Clear communication with clients is important for safety and effectiveness. It helps establish boundaries and builds trust. It’s also important to understand what trauma is and how it affects us. 

Trauma is a lasting physical and emotional response to extreme danger. It leaves us feeling unsafe, insecure, fearful, and vulnerable. To survive, we develop defence mechanisms to bury these feelings. Our healthy self can handle painful feelings without being overwhelmed. It can think clearly about what’s best for us and how to protect ourselves.

Coaching and Therapy Defined:

Coaching is a collaborative and goal-oriented process that focuses on helping individuals identify and achieve personal and professional goals. Coaches often work with clients to enhance their performance, develop new skills, and overcome obstacles. On the other hand, therapy, also known as counselling or psychotherapy, is a therapeutic process that aims to address emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns. Understanding the purpose and focus of each approach is essential for practitioners to avoid crossing boundaries and provide appropriate support.

Coaching or Therapy? What’s the best Approach to Trauma:

When working with trauma, therapists typically employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help individuals process traumatic experiences, manage symptoms, and promote healing. Therapy sessions may involve exploring deep-rooted emotions, addressing underlying issues, and utilising various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy.

In contrast, coaching approaches trauma from a different perspective. While coaches may acknowledge the impact of trauma on an individual’s life, their primary focus is on helping clients set and achieve specific goals, develop strategies for personal growth, and improve overall well-being. Coaches often utilise tools and techniques from positive psychology, motivation theory, and goal-setting frameworks to support clients in moving forward.

Scope of Practice:

Another important distinction when considering coaching or therapy, lies in the scope of practice for coaches and therapists. Therapists are trained mental health professionals who are licensed to diagnose mental health conditions and provide clinical interventions. They have a deeper understanding of psychopathology and are equipped to handle complex emotional issues associated with trauma. Coaches, on the other hand, do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders but rather provide guidance, support, and accountability to help clients reach their desired outcomes.

Boundaries and Ethical Considerations:

Both coaching and therapy uphold ethical standards to ensure client well-being. However, there may be differences in the boundaries and limitations of each profession. Therapists adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and maintain a therapeutic relationship that prioritises the client’s emotional well-being. Coaches focus on accountability, empowerment, and action-oriented strategies while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Collaboration and Integration:

In some cases, coaching and therapy can complement each other when working with trauma. It is not uncommon for individuals to engage in both coaching and therapy simultaneously or at different stages of their healing journey. The collaborative approach allows clients to benefit from both the therapeutic interventions provided by a therapist and the goal-oriented support offered by a coach.

While coaching and therapy share the common goal of supporting individuals in their healing process, there are distinct differences between the two when it comes to working with trauma.

Therapy provides a clinical and comprehensive approach to addressing emotional wounds and mental health concerns associated with trauma. Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on goal-setting, personal growth, and empowerment. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about which approach aligns best with their needs and desired outcomes.

I hope this helps clear things up 🙂