Coaching or therapy: Which one is right for me?

Monday, 20 July 2026

Question: 'I see you're a mental health coach. Is that the same as a therapist? What's the difference? How do I know which one I need?'

Great question, and it's one I get asked a lot. The short answer is: they're not quite the same thing, though they can sometimes look similar from the outside.

Let me break down the key difference.

Coaching vs Therapy

Health coaching is fundamentally collaborative and forward-focused. Think of it as someone coming alongside you to help you identify what you want to change and then work together toward making that happen. Coaching asks 'What do you want to move toward? What's getting in the way? What small steps can we take?' It's about supporting people who are ready to make changes and are looking for practical strategies and accountability.

Therapy and counselling, on the other hand, are typically for people who are working through something more immediate and painful. Someone might come to therapy when they're feeling emotionally unstable, unsafe, distressed, or dealing with past trauma. Therapy often involves processing what's happened, understanding why it happened, and working through the associated emotions. Therapists are trained in clinical techniques to help people work through deeper psychological issues.

However these aren't hard and fast categories and the different approaches overlap. Some therapists use coaching techniques. Some coaches work with people who need therapeutic support. Life is messier than neat categories.

Scope of Practice

What is critical to understand is that every professional in this field (therapists, counsellors, coaches, psychologists) has a scope of practice. That's a fancy way of saying we're trained and registered to help people within certain ranges of mental health and wellbeing. If someone falls outside that scope, a good professional will recognise it and refer them to someone better equipped to help.

This is actually really important. It's not about one type of professional being 'better' than another. It's about matching the right person with the right support.

How I Work

When someone reaches out to me, whether through my website or via a GP or friend's referral, I always offer a free 30-minute introductory call. That call serves two important purposes.

Firstly, it's a chance for us to see if there's rapport. Do you feel comfortable with me? Do I seem like someone you can work with? This matters because the relationship between coach and client is crucial. If it doesn't feel right, that's important information.

Secondly, and just as importantly, that first call is my chance to check whether you're within my scope of practice. If I listen to what's going on and realize you need something more therapeutic, or if you're experiencing something that's outside what I'm trained and registered to support, I'll be honest about that. I'll refer you to someone more appropriate, whether that's a counsellor, a psychologist, your GP, or another professional who specializes in what you need.

You Can Change Modalities

It is also worth remembering that people often work with different types of professionals at different times. You might see a therapist while working through something in particular, and then later work with a coach to build new habits and move forward. Or vice versa. These aren't either/or choices. Your mental health support can evolve as your needs change.

If you want to know more about what coaching specifically offers and whether it might be right for you, there's more detailed information on my website. But honestly, the best way to know if coaching is what you need is to have that free conversation and see if it feels like the right fit.

The right professional for you is the one who can actually help you with what you’re dealing with right now.