What is the Difference Between Coaching and Therapy?
Plus, Discover Mental Health Resources
Are you in crisis? Call a crisis line such as 9-8-8, Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 or Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
“Do I Need Therapy Or Coaching?”
It’s a common question that people ask if they’re feeling stuck or in transition. If you’re emotionally stable but restless and ready to make some changes in your life, life coaching can help you optimize your present and future. Therapy, on the other hand, offers psychological help to explore your past and manage deep-seated emotions. At any point in the discovery or coaching process, a responsible life coach will suggest therapy or mental health support to a person whose issues are interfering with their daily functioning or ability to progress. It’s possible to do therapy and coaching at the same time if your therapist, you and your coach don’t feel there is a conflict. Talk to your health professional and refer to the chart below to ascertain what’s best for you.
Talk to a health professional about therapy or mental health treatment if…
- You’re experiencing mood changes, social withdrawal, sleep or weight changes or hopeless or suicidal thoughts.
- You think you may have anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, addiction issues, an eating disorder or suicidal tendencies.
- You’re in a dysfunctional or conflicted relationship that would benefit from working together with a couples’ therapist or marriage counsellor.
Seek life coaching if…
- You feel mentally stable but a bit lost, stuck, or aware that you could be doing more to move toward the life that you want.
- You’re less interested in the past and more interested in figuring out what you want now and in the future. (And how to get there.)
- You have some ideas about what you want for your life or relationships but are afraid of making a change. Or you procrastinate or don’t follow through on your plans.
Helpful Mental Health Resources
Did you know that, according to CAMH, one in two Canadians will have – or have had – a mental illness? Mental illnesses are treatable and free or affordable help is available, so talk to a health professional as soon as possible about any issues you may be experiencing. Ask them also if any of the following resources may be beneficial for you. (Click on the bullets below to find out more.)
- 9-8-8 Call Or Text 24/7
- Bounceback Ontario
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Connex Ontario With Free 24/7 Access
- Free Counselling Via Wellness Together
- Canada.ca Mental Health Resources Page
- Indigenous Hope For Wellness Helpline
- International Crisis Centres & Helplines
- MindBeacon
- Ontario Mental Health Resources
- Talk Suicide Canada
- TeleCB
Most importantly, remember that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone.
