“Isn't it all the same? When should I choose which?”
I feel like therapy is a hot topic right now. Many people tell me they've been in therapy, are currently in therapy, or are planning to start therapy. Usually, this refers to psychological psychotherapy. Alongside “therapy,” I’m also hearing the term “coaching” more frequently. The terms often seem to be mixed up.
But what are the major differences? When is each type of support appropriate?
In this second part of the blog series, I'll take a closer look at the differences between coaching and therapy with you. What defines each approach?
How are they different, and where are they similar?
What can be covered by health insurance?
And where are the respective boundaries?
It’s important to me to help you gain clarity and dispel any potential prejudices so you can make informed decisions. After all, it’s about you and what is right and beneficial for you.
Let's start with psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (often simply referred to as therapy) is “generally the targeted, professional treatment of mental disorders and/or psychologically induced physical disorders using specific psychotherapeutic procedures [...] such as cognitive behavioral therapy” (Dorsch, 2024).
A mental disorder is often also called an illness. Thus, one speaks of a mental illness when one's thoughts, behavior patterns, and perceptions cause significant distress for oneself and/or one's surroundings. In most cases, the symptoms have been present for a longer period.
Ideally, you would visit your general practitioner or a psychological/medical psychotherapist with your symptoms, who would then make a diagnosis based on ICD-11 and/or DSM criteria. The ICD-11 (by the WHO) and the DSM (by the APA) are international standards for diagnosing and classifying mental illnesses.
A prescribed psychotherapy is then carried out by psychological or medical psychotherapists (the difference between them is discussed in the blog “Isn’t it all just a scam? How to recognize a qualified coach”).
In therapy, there are four types of therapy recognized and covered by health insurance because their effectiveness is scientifically proven: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depth psychology-based therapy, analytical therapy, and systemic therapy. The duration of the therapy depends on the needs of the affected person and the chosen method.
For more information on psychotherapy, visit: https://t1p.de/qboqt
Coaching, on the other hand, is a much shorter and more spontaneous measure, which usually isn’t covered by health insurance, as it does not involve a diagnosis and is not based on psychopathology. The starting point for coaching is not a disorder or illness as defined above, but rather a moment of feeling stuck or a desire for change, clarity, or structure. There are coaches specializing in various fields, such as:
Career Coaching:
Which job/major might suit me?
How can I maximize my chances in the application process?
What are the next goals in my career and how do I achieve them?
How can I achieve a better work-life balance?
How do I handle professional challenges/conflicts?
What are my strengths? etc.
#ApplicationTraining #SoftSkillDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #Career #Studies #StrengthAssessment #PersonalDevelopment
Relationship/Family Coaching:
How can I improve communication with my children/partner?
How can I set appropriate boundaries and strengthen personal responsibility?
How can I achieve a harmonious family/relationship dynamic? etc.
#RespectfulCommunication #Harmony #Love #Relationship #FamilyLifeBalance #StressReduction #ConflictResolution #BoundarySetting #Openness #Acceptance
Life-Coaching:
Hier geht es um dich selbst und den Umgang mit deinen aktuellen Herausforderungen im Leben. Da kann es wirklich um alles Mögliche gehen:
How do I overcome procrastination? What is truly important to me in life?
How do I handle emotions like grief, fear, or worry in a healthy way?
How do I deal with the challenges of a (new) life phase?
How can I strengthen my mental health? How can I be a better friend/partner?
How do I make a good decision?
#MentalHealth #GoalsAndVisions #Values #FriendsAndRelationships #Loneliness #Happiness #OrganizingThoughts #NewLifePhases #Emotions #Challenges #Unfolding_Potential
The topics you can address with coaching are not set in stone. Coaching can be a helpful resource for a wide range of issues.
Is coaching then just “therapy light”?
No, coaching is not simply "therapy light." Although both approaches promote personal growth and development, they differ in focus, goals, duration, and methodology.
Psychotherapy focuses on treating mental disorders and problems that often have deep roots and require intensive therapeutic work with a psychological or medical psychotherapist. The treatment is based on a diagnosis and is covered by health insurance. The goal is to restore mental health and well-being using psychotherapeutic techniques.
Coaching, on the other hand, is usually very solution-oriented and works with people who already have a certain level of stability and functionality but need support in achieving their goals and visions. Additionally, coaching is a shorter, very future-oriented process aimed at helping people achieve their goals, activate their inner resources, improve their well-being, and reach their full potential.
Although coaching and psychotherapy both aim to help people reach their full potential, overcome personal obstacles, and improve well-being (and often use similar conversation techniques and goal-setting strategies), coaching cannot replace prescribed psychotherapy based on a diagnosis and is not suitable for acute crises.
If you’re in acute distress, don’t hesitate to talk to your friends, family, or doctor. There are many hotlines, counseling services, and support centers available to help you with your concerns and distress. You can find some emergency contact points in our FAQs.
As you can see, there are many ways to enhance your mental well-being. In the end, you decide which path is right for you. Coaching and therapy can also be combined. The important thing is to know that you don’t have to suffer, you’re not alone with your problems, and there is professional help available that can demonstrably assist you in finding solutions to both big and small challenges.
In the next blog post (“Isn’t it all just a scam? How to recognize a qualified coach”), I will take a closer look at the vocabulary jungle of job titles for you and answer questions like: Who can actually call themselves a coach? What’s the difference between a coach, psychologist, and psychotherapist? How can I protect myself from unqualified self-proclaimed business gurus who also sell themselves as coaches?
Have you ever wondered whether coaching or therapy is right for you?
Feel free to write about it in the comments!
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