Distinctions between Coaching and Therapy

Relationship Coaching Model

Paradigm: Personal development and human potential. Nothing is broken. The client is already whole, and wants to create a more fulfilling life.

The Coach does not "treat" the client.
   
Focus: Create your ideal life & relationships.
Focus: The present and the future     

The client is the expert on their own life.   
The coach is an expert on the facilitation process.

The coach asks strategic questions so client gets their own answers. The coach does not help the client. The coach is a sounding board.

The coach provides accountability so the client is more likely to follow through, or they get clear that they do not want to make a commitment. Either way, the client becomes more empowered.
     
The client develops their own success plan. The client is not treated by a professional and there is no power hierarchy of one-up and one-down. There are equal power bases between coach and client.

Fosters maximum autonomy and eliminates unhealthy dependence on a professional. 

Therapy Model

Model: Medical model. Helping. Remedial. Fix what is broken.

Focus: Clients have problems that need healing or recovery.
Focus: The past

Therapist is the expert on the client’s life.

Therapist is seen as having power over the client. This is a hierarchical power model.

Therapist develops a treatment plan for the client, usually based on a mental illness diagnosis.

This model can foster dependency due to hierarchal power structure.