Therapy v. Coaching Chart

Comparison Chart Conventional Therapy v. Personal Coaching copyright 2002 by CoachVille.com v 1.0 updated 2/2/02 \| pdf version here Important Notice We've created this comparison chart with the help of dozens of therapists on the CoachVille R&D Team who are also experienced coaches. And, while not everyone will agree with every single word pair, it's our view that this chart does help to clarify the differences between coaching and therapy. That said,, the fact is that many of the differences between modern therapy and personal coaching aren't as big as we might like them to appear. Both professionals can be working with fully functioning adults who are working through a difficult situation. Both disciplines focus on helping people make changes and accomplish goals that really matter to them. They are different ways of working; each with its own special value.
Conventional Therapy tends toward...	Personal Coaching tends toward...
personal strengthening triage issue resolution why me?/why this? overcoming obstacles traditional relationship unconscious>conscious level away from looks backward raising standards somewhat vulnerable cognitive/behavior patterns letting go needs help pain past > present needs, wants issue resolution driven by unresolved issues absorbs information feelings, discussion oriented self understanding nurturing, supportive asks why disruptive situations usually a measured pace no personal disclosure patient/client medical model treatment healing presented complaints mostly monologue progress was then professional 'arms length' behavior norms analysis/understanding pathology hope self concept integration diagnosis support prognosis for recovery diagnosable conditions anxiety depression trauma emotional scares addictions compulsions emotional issues neuroses psychoses healing of emotional damage history self imposed limits acceptance conflicts reality restoring healing coping/protective mechanisms beliefs self responsibility stabilize new perspective confidential family dynamics hurts personal dynamics weaknesses problems tends toward process heal past medical model behavior awareness complaints reactions restoration undoing dysfunctional>functional focused scope fear	personal evolution visioning problem solving what's next?/what now? sustainable flow collaborative, equal partnership conscious>consciousness level toward focuses forward raising standards generally open, not vulnerable actively building life dynamics wants a partner frustration present > future needs, wants life design chooses goals and actions acts on information more action oriented self potential catalyzing, challenging asks what tolerations often a rapid pace personal disclosure as useful client performance model co creation achievement common situations mostly dialogue performance is now close, collaborative uniqueness possibility experimentation/discovery inspiration self discovery manifestation self assessment support, solutions chance of success everyday situations n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a related experiences missed opportunities flow paradoxes paradigms expanding evolving building reserves personal operating system accountability balance new approach confidential organizational dynamics works personal style strengths solutions tends toward results create future performance/growth model personal awareness tolerations responses enhancement doing functional>extraordinary unlimited scope excitement Copyright 2002 by CoachVille.com. May be distributed with attribution.