Counseling, Coaching or Therapy?

Differences Between Therapy, Counseling and Coaching
What is best for us?

People often use the terms therapy, counseling or coaching interchangeably, but there are differences.  Coaching integrates elements of cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches in working with couples.

Factor Therapy Counseling MarriageTeam Coaching
Definition Couples therapy is a form of psychological therapy used to treat relationship distress for both individuals and couples 1 Marriage counseling is a type of psychotherapy for married couples that tries to resolve problems in the relationship. Typically, two people attend counseling sessions together to discuss specific issues.2 Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.3 MarriageTeam coaching is a combination of relationship skill building and traditional coaching with trained coach couples to empower couples for winning marriages.
Deals with Mostly the past and trauma, seeks healing. Relationships. Seeks to identify sources of conflict and provide healthy ways of resolving it. Type of psychotherapy. Mostly developing relationship skills and their application. Facilitates a process to create a more desirable future.
Typically works with Individuals Individuals or with couples Always works with couples. The client is the marriage. No one is right or wrong.
Relationship Doctor-patient relationship. Assumes a medical model Counselor-client relationship.Tends to assume a medical model Co-creative partnership
Assumptions Emotions are a symptom of something wrong Emotions are natural. Emotions are natural.
Session Length Typically 50 minutes Typically 50 minutes Typically 2 hours plus; determined by the coaches and the couple
Number of sessions Can be for an extended period Can be for an extended period 8-12
Cost Typically $100 per hour or more. Sliding scales often available. Typically $100 per hour or more. Sliding scales often available. Total program $160 (16-24 hours), Financial aid  is available.
  1. http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Couples-therapy.html
  2. http://www.enotes.com/medicine-encyclopedia/marriage-counseling
  3. http://www.coachfederation.org/about-icf/ethics-&-regulation/icf-code-of-ethics/

To determine if coaching is for you, answer the following questions.

1.  Are there addictions involved that are not being addressed?  Yes No
2.  Is there on-going physical abuse?  Yes No
3.  Is there an on-going affair?  Yes No
4.  Are there untreated mental health issues involved?  Yes No
5.  Is there any untreated depression?  Yes No

If you answered any of these questions with “Yes” then coaching is not your best choice and therapy or counseling  will probably serve you better.  Coaching works best for couples who want to change and are capable of changing.

We have found that individuals experiencing  issues addressed in these five questions find change very difficult and are often incapable of meaningful change.  Once these issues are in treatment, coaching can make a significant difference in the relationship.