With Amy williamsWelcome to Felt Sense Somatic Coaching! You might be wondering- what’s the difference between therapy and coaching? Which am I a better candidate for? Let’s explore the answers to your questions together!
Coaching is not psychotherapy, does not include diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical treatment.
Coaching and psychotherapy are entirely different professions and should be treated as such by those who wish to work in either or both capacities.
Coaches must understand that having the education and training of a psychotherapist does not authorize one to engage in the work of a psychotherapist.
Let us explain...Coaching does not equal psychotherapy
A licensed therapist can operate in the “coach” capacity. It means they aren’t providing psychotherapy and limit scope of practice to coaching. They can’t flip flop roles with clients.
Therapists must be licensed in the state where their client lives. There aren’t restrictions for coaches.
Usually if a therapist is offering coaching, it’s to work with clients out of state, who moved, or they no longer align with the psychotherapy model but want to provide mental health support in another less formal and structured capacity.
Coaching does not follow a medical model. No mental health evaluation or diagnosis will be given. Psychological assessments cannot be interpreted. Formal treatment plans can’t be used. Medical, clinical, and therapeutic services will not be offered in coaching. Insurance cannot be billed. Emotional support animals can’t be prescribed. There is not a client protected relationship in coaching: confidentiality isn’t protected, dual relationships, and other ethical standards aren’t set or enforced.
High risk needs and related concerns are not appropriate for coaching level of services.
Meaning if you're dealing with suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation or behaviors, psychosis, active substance abuse, active eating disorder behaviors, you need to see a therapist, or a therapist in addition to coaching.
If a diagnosis or higher level of care is required, referral should be made to have it assessed and treated by a licensed therapist.
An ethical coach should refer you to a therapist for mental health conditions that meet a level of severity meeting a diagnosis and that need specialized treatment model.
Coaches cannot practice any form of psychotherapy.