Coaching vs therapy

As a coach, it’s crucial to understand when and how to refer a client to a mental health professional. This guide provides insights into recognizing signs of distress and making appropriate referrals, ensuring that your clients receive the best possible support.

Coaching and therapy both support individuals—but they serve different purposes and approaches.

Coaching: Growth and Forward Action

Coaching focuses on personal and professional development. It helps clients:

• Set meaningful goals

• Overcome challenges

• Take action to reach their aspirations

Coaching is future-oriented and action-based. It emphasizes performance, progress, and practical strategies.

Therapy: Emotional Healing and Mental Health

Therapy addresses psychological issues and emotional distress. It focuses on:

• Mental health disorders

• Healing from trauma or anxiety

• Improving overall emotional well-being

Therapy often explores the past to understand and resolve current emotional challenges.

When Both Coaching and Therapy May Be Needed

Mental health lies on a spectrum. In some cases, a client may benefit from both approaches.

For example:

• A therapist may help manage depression or anxiety

• A coach can support goal-setting and daily motivation during the healing process

Together, coaching and therapy can provide a balanced path toward both mental wellness and personal success.

Referring a client to therapy demonstrates ethical responsibility, ensures you stay within your coaching scope, and allows for early intervention, leading to better outcomes. By recognizing when a client’s needs exceed your expertise, you can empower them to seek the appropriate professional help, preventing potential harm and promoting their overall well-being.

• Sometimes, a coach must recognize when a client needs professional mental health support. Here are key signs that indicate a referral is necessary:

  • Beyond Coaching Scope: Issues like serious psychological disorders, deep emotional trauma, or major behavioral problems require a therapist’s expertise.

  • Impact on Daily Life: If problems affect the client’s ability to work, socialize, or care for themselves, they may need clinical help.

  • Lack of Progress: When coaching sessions stall due to unresolved emotional issues, it may be time to refer.

  • Signs of Mental Health Distress: Watch for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts.

  In these cases, referring the client to a qualified therapist is the responsible and supportive next step.

Signs of Distress:

• Emotional Changes: Marked changes in mood, such as irritability, anger, anxiety, or sadness.
• Behavioral Changes: Decline in performance at work or school, withdrawal from social relationships and activities, or changes in weight and appearance.
• Cognitive Changes: Difficulty concentrating, negative emotions, or withdrawal from social activities.

How to Refer:

• When referring a client to a therapist, handle the conversation with care and professionalism:

  • Have a Private Conversation: Choose a calm and respectful setting.

  • Show Care and Concern: Emphasize their well-being as your priority.

  • Be Clear and Specific: Mention observed behaviors or patterns that raised concern.

  • Listen Actively: Invite them to share their thoughts and validate their feelings.

  • Share Helpful Resources: Provide therapist options that fit their needs (e.g., location, insurance).

  • Offer Ongoing Support: Let them know you’re available to talk and support them through the process.

  Referring a client shows responsibility, respect, and a commitment to their growth and well-being.

Emergency Situations:

If there’s immediate danger to the client or others, intervene directly and seek emergency assistance.

Remember:

This guide is not intended to diagnose clients but to help coaches recognize when a referral might be necessary. By understanding the signs of distress and knowing when to refer, you can provide the best possible support for your clients and ensure their well-being.

Taymour Miri is an ICF master coach and a Gallup certified strengths coach and more recently one of the first 136 coaches world wide to be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching. He has 30 years’ experience in leadership roles and 20 years of experince in coaching. Taymour has trained over 1,500 coaches across five continents and is the founder of International Coaching Education (ICE).