Psychology vs Coaching…
What’s the Difference?
A psychologist is a mental health professional trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of mental and emotional disorders.
Psychologists often focus on identifying and reducing a client’s symptoms, by helping the client to gain clarity, train their mental skills and build their psychological toolkit for the client to be able to help themselves.
In contrast, a coach collaborates with a client through a thought-provoking, creative process that motivates and encourages the client to achieve their personal and professional goals. Coaching does not involve identifying and reducing mental health issues.
However, it is important to note…
Psychologists can focus their attention on client strengths and resources to help clients optimise their functioning and…
Coaches can aim to reduce and resolve obstacles that stand in the way of clients achieving their goals!
Ultimately, you have the autonomy to decide which practitioner you see!
One of the most important things is that the practitioner is behaving ethically, communicating openly and honestly, and working within their area of expertise and competency level. Keep in mind, the initial appointment is very much an opportunity for you to assess whether the practitioner is the right match for you.
Here are some tips on finding the right practitioner for you:
- Look for a practitioner that you feel comfortable being open and vulnerable with.
- Check whether the practitioner has experience working on areas you are seeking assistance with.
- Do they have valid credentials and are operating under a regulating body and code of ethics?
- Do they use evidence-based strategies to help you reach your goals?
Life Coach
Psychologist
CLIENT PRESENTATION
Psychology clients are usually referred by a doctor to attend psychology sessions to improve or resolve mental health symptoms.
There is an assumption of client pathology (i.e. pain or dysfunction)
Coaching clients are often motivated to attend sessions to gain support with reaching personal/professional goals for success.
These individuals have no pathology and are fully functioning.
TENSE
Predominantly focuses on the present and the future.
Predominantly focuses on the past and the present.
RELATIONSHIP
There can be an inherent power differential between the psychologist and the client because the psychologist is often viewed as an expert in the client’s recovery.
Psychologists have studied the human brain (i.e. how people learn, think, feel, and behave) and have been trained to help individuals cope with their emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Psychologists use evidence-based approaches that are tailored to suit each client’s area of concern and circumstance.
There is more of an equal, collaborative relationship between the coach and the client because the client is viewed by the coach as the ‘expert.’
A coach does not advise or counsel, they assume that the client can generate their own solutions and reach their own objectives. The coach should provide a supportive, discovery-based approach and framework so the client have the autonomy to decide how they will reach their goals.
SESSION STRUCTURE
Sessions are based on the treatment modality that the psychologist has been trained in.
Psychologist uses their expertise to guide the treatment goals usually established within the initial session (often with feedback from the client).
Sessions have clear structures, are goal-focused and the coach’s approach can draw from diverse ideas and approaches.
Treatment goals are established through collaboration between the coach and the client.
TIME-FRAME
The course of sessions are often short-term, or on an ‘as-needed’ basis, typically monthly sessions, or increased session frequency around key performance dates.
The course of sessions are not usually time-limited. Usually sessions will be longer-term, typically regular weekly or fortnightly.
FEES & REBATES
Services are paid for with an out-of-pocket-fee, and insurance coverage does not apply. Often there are subscription programs.
Services are often eligible for private health or a Medicare rebate if under a mental health treatment plan.
CREDENTIALS
Within Australia, psychologists are legally required to be registered with the national registration board, the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Registered and clinical psychologists have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience.
Psychologists are required to engage in ongoing supervision and professional development annually.
Anyone can call themselves a coach and it is not a requirement to practice under any governing body.
However, under the International Coaching Federation (ICF), certified coaches are bound by a code of ethics and core competencies.
ICF coaches have undergone rigorous evidence-based training, a practicum and a credentialing exam and are engage in professional development and supervision annually.