What’s the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching (and Which One Do You Need)?
So, you’re feeling stuck. Maybe you’re struggling to stay focused, keep your home life running smoothly, or just feel like you’re spinning your wheels—and you’re thinking: “Should I find a therapist? Or maybe a coach? What’s the difference anyway?”
Great question. It’s one I get all the time, and honestly, the line between therapy and coaching can feel a little blurry. So let’s break it down in real, human terms.
🎯 Coaching: Forward-Focused and Practical
Think of coaching like having a personal trainer for your life—someone who helps you build better habits, stay accountable, and reach your goals. Coaching is action-oriented. It’s about moving forward, not digging into your past.
Here’s what coaching might help with:
Setting up systems to stay organized (especially if you have ADHD)
Improving communication with your partner or kids
Figuring out how to follow through on goals
Building confidence and momentum
Coaching doesn’t diagnose or treat mental health disorders. It’s not about processing trauma or exploring childhood wounds—it’s about practical strategies to get unstuck and stay moving.
And the best part? Coaching isn’t tied to geography. If you live outside of Oklahoma or Iowa or anywhere outside the U.S., I can offer coaching no problem.
🧠 Therapy: Insight, Healing, and Emotional Growth
Therapy is where we slow down and look inward. It’s a safe space to explore what’s behind your anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship struggles. Therapy often involves understanding your patterns, processing difficult experiences, and building emotional insight.
Here’s what therapy might help with:
Managing anxiety, depression, or trauma
Navigating a tough season in life (grief, divorce, burnout)
Understanding why you react the way you do in relationships
Treating ADHD, including support with medication or diagnosis
Therapy is a clinical service, which means it’s licensed, regulated, and bound by laws that vary depending on where you live. Because I’m licensed in the U.S., I can only offer therapy to clients who are physically located in Oklahoma and Iowa.
🤔 Not Sure Which One You Need?
If you’re focused on getting organized, building skills, and improving everyday life, coaching might be a great fit.
If you’re struggling with emotional distress, mental health symptoms, or past pain that’s still affecting you, therapy is probably the better path.
And if you’re still not sure? Reach out. We can talk through your goals, where you’re located, and what makes the most sense for you right now.
One Last Thing
Both therapy and coaching are about helping you grow, feel better, and show up more fully in your life. You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting. Just be willing to take the first step.
Wherever you are, I’m here to help.
