Relationship Coaching vs Couples Therapy

Some couples choose therapy, and others choose coaching. So what sets them apart, what are you really signing up for with each, and which will best suit you with your current needs?

Most of us seek out support when we need it most. When conflict is high, or passion is low, and we need tools and help right away.

In this blog we will cover:

- What are the similarities between coaching and therapy?

- What the differences are between the two?

- Which one is right for you?

What are the similarities between Couples Coaching and Therapy?

Both coaching and therapy offer a wide range of tools to help you and your partner connect, have better communication, and overall enjoy the relationship more. Both models can help to reduce conflict, restore trust, build rapport, reduce stress and anxiety, repair after betrayal, increase intimacy, and work on your attachment style. Whether you are looking to re-connect, build a better relationship, or get support getting out of the one you are in, therapy and coaching are both great options.

What are the differences between Relationship Coaching and Couples Therapy?

There are a few distinct differences that set coaching and therapy apart.

1. Past vs future

2. Goal of each

3. Authority

4. Trauma informed

Past vs Future:

The main difference between therapy and coaching is that therapy generally focuses on the past and the present, and coaching focuses on the present and the future.

In therapy, it is common to unpack your past, as a means of making change in your present. By understanding what happened to you in the past, you have an informed way of making different choices in your present, and therefore changing your trajectory.

Coaching on the other hand, focuses more on who you are now and who you want to become. Coaching can and often does dip it's toe into past issues, but as a means to understand the present and move toward the future. In coaching, there is a belief that people can change, and quickly, so the focus is on where you are now, and where you want to go. Where coaching is goal oriented, and action based, therapy is talk based.

Coaching is 100% results driven. Meaning each session is started with a result that the client wants to work toward. Sessions begin with a target and goal to be worked through. When the client(s) have actionable goals, and take steps in each session to see them to fruition, the progress is not only fast and visible, but also celebrated.

Goal:

Therapists are licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, mental health counselors, psychologists etc. The foundational goal of therapy is to relieve suffering and achieve a healthy state of being and functioning.

Coaches are certified professionals, with specialties such as relationship coaching. The purpose of coaching is to help the client to achieve their goals and dreams utilizing an array of tools.

Authority:

In traditional therapy, the therapist is somewhat of an authority. They may give advice and specific homework assignments.

In coaching, the client is considered to be the greatest authority in their own life. Client and coach have equal status in the coaching engagement, and the coach is a guide to help get the client to where they want to go. When utilizing different tools, the client is always asked their permission, and it is the coach's job to help the client better understand their own internal guidance system (as opposed to attaining the opinion of someone else).

Trauma informed:

Therapy is used specifically to overcome trauma. Unlike coaching, therapists are experts in overcoming traumatic experiences, understanding what happened, and giving you tools to move through them. If you are looking to work through some deep traumatic experiences from the past, therapy is the ideal modality.

Although some coaches do have experience working with trauma, it is not part of the foundational work done in coaching. Therefore, coaching can be done in conjunction with therapy, after therapy, or in cases where trauma is not the forefront experience.

In conclusion:

Often times therapy and coaching are done in conjunction. And for many, one works better than the other. Both are fantastic modalities for bettering your relationship as a whole. Both will get you talking about and moving in the direction of your desires.

If you are struggling, and looking for a relationship coach, I would be honored to be yours.

Visit the link below to learn more about relationship coaching and to book a first session.

Relationship Coaching