I’m pretty sure that you are aware that I am both a Counsellor, and also a Health and Lifestyle Coach.

What I’m wondering is, do you know the difference between a Counsellor and a Coach?

It’s a question that I get asked A LOT, most often it sounds like-

“Oh, you’re a Counsellor AND a Coach- 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️ aren’t they kind of the same thing?"

The answer, of course, is NO... they are not the same thing, HOWEVER, they do share a number similarities - with both Counsellors and Coaches utilising many of the same tools, skills and possessing many common personal qualities that make them so good at the work they do.

5 Similarities between Counselling and Coaching:

Both counselling and coaching involve a helping relationship between a trained professional and a client, with the aim of achieving a specific outcome or resolving a problem.
Both counselling and coaching rely on effective communication skills, active listening, empathy, and understanding to build rapport and trust with clients.
Both counselling and coaching require the professional to be non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging to help clients achieve their goals.
Both counselling and coaching are focused on helping clients identify their strengths, skills, and resources to overcome challenges and achieve their desired outcomes.
Both counselling and coaching involve setting goals, developing action plans, and providing feedback to clients to help them make progress and stay motivated.

Let’s take a really common issue as an example, something that you all have some knowledge and understanding of- STRESS 🤯, and look at how you might work with a Counsellor for support, and also how you might work with a Coach for support-

Counselling Support:

A Counsellor can work with you to explore the underlying causes of your stress and develop coping strategies to address them. For instance, if you're experiencing stress due to work-related pressures, a counsellor can help you examine the root causes, such as unrealistic expectations, deadlines, or conflicts with colleagues. They can then guide you in identifying and implementing techniques like stress reduction exercises, relaxation techniques, and boundary-setting strategies. The goal of counselling in this context would be to alleviate the impact of stress on your mental and emotional well-being, improve your coping skills, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Coaching Support:

On the other hand, a Coach might assist you in building resilience and developing strategies to manage stress proactively. A coach can work with you to identify your stress triggers, understand how they manifest in your life, and explore potential lifestyle adjustments or behaviour changes that can reduce stress levels. They can help you set specific goals related to stress reduction, such as incorporating self-care practices, establishing healthy boundaries, or practising effective time management. The coach would provide ongoing support, guidance, and accountability as you implement these strategies, empowering you to take charge of your stress management and achieve a better work-life balance.

As with most things in life, this isn’t black and white or absolute-certainly counsellors will often do some of the things listed here for Coach and vice-versa- the key is context and looking at your big picture.

Whether you choose counselling or coaching, both approaches aim to support you in addressing stress and improving your overall well-being. The choice between counselling and coaching depends on your preferences, needs, and the level of support and guidance you require.

So we’ve had a look at some of the many SIMILARITIES between Counselling and Coaching- what then, are the key DIFFERENCES between the two?

3 Differences between Counselling and Coaching:

Focus: THIS is quite probably the biggest, and most important difference between counselling and coaching- Counselling is primarily focused on addressing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional distress and past traumas. Coaching on the other hand is focused on enhancing performance, achieving goals, and improving overall well-being.
Qualifications and Credentials: Counselling requires professional registration to practice, while coaching in Australia is generally regulated and therefore some coaches may not not have any kind of formal training or certification, however are able to provide support and coaching that relies on, and draws from their own lived experience.

Counselling

Education: To become a qualified counsellor in Australia, individuals typically need to complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in counselling or a related field.

Supervised Practice: After completing the necessary education, counsellors usually engage in a period of supervised practice. This involves gaining practical experience under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, typically for a specified number of hours.

Registration and Accreditation: In Australia, professional registration and accreditation are required for practising as a counsellor. This process involves meeting specific criteria set by professional bodies, such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Coaching

Education: The field of coaching does not have specific educational requirements mandated by regulatory bodies. While there are coaching programs and certifications available, they are not standardised or regulated across the country. As a result, individuals can enter the coaching profession through various educational pathways, including self-study programs, workshops, or online courses.

Certification: In the coaching field, many individuals pursue voluntary certification through recognized coaching organisations or associations. These certifications, such as those offered by the International Coach Federation (ICF), provide a level of credibility and demonstrate adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.

Professional Membership: Joining professional coaching associations, such as the ICF Australasia, is recommended for networking opportunities etc, however not mandatory.

3. Approach: Whilst counselling typically uses a problem-oriented and past-focused approach, coaching tends to be much more solution-focused and future-oriented, with an emphasis on goal-setting and action planning.

Coaches collaborate with clients to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. They facilitate the creation of action plans and support clients in taking steps towards their goals, utilising techniques based on the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will).

That being said, many counsellors, myself included, also integrate solution-focused and person-centred therapy techniques into their practice. These approaches emphasise empowering individuals to explore their strengths, identify their values, and work towards their desired future.

My next newsletter is all about when you might work with both a counsellor and a coach, and transitioning from counselling support to working 1:1 with a coach.

I’ve got spaces for 2 coaching clients in July, in addition I also have currently a number of available counselling appointments, with some limited outside of work hours appointments.

Still not sure whether counselling or coaching support is what is going to best serve your needs?

Let me help! Book your free discovery call here to chat about how I can best support you whether it’s as a Counsellor or as a Health and Lifestyle Coach!

I am also available to chat on Instagram, reach out to me in DM’s!

I can’t wait to connect!

Until next time,

Much love

Beccy x