What’s the Difference Between Christian Coaching and Counseling?

Counseling is different from coaching in that it is a form of therapy and recovery. A counselor deals with an individual’s past and their need for healing whereas a coach deals with the individual’s future and the process of taking that person from being stuck or in a conflict in their life, marriage, or career to unstuck with a solid plan to move forward.

While there are differences between counseling and coaching, it often overlaps. Both coaches and counsellors work to help individuals identify goals, overcome obstacles, and find better ways of functioning and thriving in life.

A coach offers accountability and works with the client to formulate a plan that’s based on that client’s inner revelations, skills, and personality. The client is highly active and involved and it’s not a process that involves the coach dishing out advice and the client trying to apply that advice. It’s a process of discovery.

Many people will say that counseling deals more with dysfunction while coaching deals with helping clients function better and achieve success. Others will also refer to coaching as helping individuals turn potential into reality and that’s also a good definition of coaching. Both counselors and coaches, however, are trained to help clients discover, set, and achieve goals.

Both can be incredibly beneficial, and it may come down to what you believe is the best fit and what resonates with you about a particular coach or counselor and their skillset. You might also really love the growth you’ve seen in an individual or couple and choose to work with a coach based on a testimonial and referral.

If you’re trying to heal from past wounds, emotional distress, or trauma, counseling is likely what you need. If you’re trying to grow or advance in your life, marriage, or career and want to take something specific to the next level, coaching is a great option for you in terms of development and advancement.