The Difference Between Counseling, Psychotherapy and Coaching
Most people could find Counseling, Psychotherapy and Coaching helpful at points in their lives. As a Professional Counselor, my work with clients often includes all three. However, there are distinctions between these services.
Counseling focuses on specific issues and addresses certain problems in the present. It can include symptom management of anxiety and depression, or learning specific techniques for coping with stress or avoiding problems. Relationship problems and grief can also be effectively addressed using Counseling.
Psychotherapy tends to be more long-term and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principles are that a person’s past experiences and their patterns of thinking and behavior affect the way they interact in the world today. Uncovering meanings from the past and the way a person thinks and acts in the world now, can help us understand what it might take to change and lead a healthier, happier life.
Coaching offers a goal-oriented approach toward life. It’s for people who seek improvement and beneficial change in their lives. Rather than healing from the past, Coaching looks forward and asks the question, “How can we improve your lifestyle and meet your goals?” Coaching focuses on the “process” in an effort to enhance “outcomes”. Coaching strives to make challenging goals and meet those goals by utilizing intense accountability and motivation. Coaching can be conducted on countless different topics, but it always looks toward the future and the goals clients have set.
In Counseling, Psychotherapy and Coaching, the ultimate goal is to enable clients to become the best that they can be.
Call (716-204-5552 x 406) or email me today. You can give me a brief idea of what you’re looking for and we’ll talk about how I can best help you”
Regulations and Restrictions
As a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I am authorized to provide Counseling and Psychotherapy. These are licensed professions. Because I am licensed in NYS, I am limited to provide these services only within NYS, even for telemental health.
Coaching is not a licensed profession. I have been a business coach and have provided Life Coaching for more than 20 years. If you are interested in Coaching services, I am able to help you no matter your state of residence. That being said, if you are not a NYS resident, and our Coaching indicates you’ll be better served in Counseling or Psychotherapy, I will do my best to help you find a mental health professional in your state to provide those services.