Coaching or Counselor, Which One is Right For Me?

by | Oct 24, 2019 | More About Counseling, More About Life Coaching

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You’ve decided to reach out for support – that’s a great first step! One question you might have is “What kind of support do I need?” At Third Eye Family Solutions we have the skills of coaching and counseling to best help you with the challenges you are facing. Not sure which will be the best fit for you? Here is some information to help you make that choice.

What Does a Counselor Do?

Typically, counselors are best when you are looking to support your mental and emotional health. This might mean that you are dealing with a diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, but it can also mean that you are having difficulty navigating life for many other reasons. Counselors are trained to diagnosis mental illness, help clear past trauma, and find elements in your life that are in the way of you feeling your best. Depending on the counselor’s training and style, there are many modalities they may use to help you.

What Does a Coach Do?

Coaches work with you to distinguish clear goals and create action plans to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, the work coaches do overlaps with the work of a counselor, such as helping you see roadblocks from your past that get in the way of achieving your goals. When working with a coach, you will often create specific actions that you will take each week. Your coach is there to be a cheerleader, but just like an athletic coach they will also push you when needed!

Which One is Right for Me?

Start by asking yourself this question:

Am I dealing with issues of the past that keep me from loving my life, or do I have an idea of where I am headed but I’m unsure how to get there? While these may both apply to your life, it is likely that one is more prevalent than the other.

Examples That Show if a Coach or Counselor Fits Better:

  • “I worry that my parenting is being negatively influenced by the way I was raised,” could be best explored in counseling, while “I want out home to be more peaceful but I don’t know how,” might be a better fit for counseling.
  • “I’m afraid to commit to my partner because I don’t want to get a divorce like my parents,” is likely going to be addressed best with a counselor, but “I want to make sure my partner and I create the best possible foundation for a successful relationship” is something a coach can help you facilitate.
  • “I can’t focus in school because of my depression and anxiety” is something a counselor can help your teen navigate, and “I need to learn ways to make friends and plan my future” can be addressed with a coach.

It’s highly likely that whether you work with a counselor or a coach there will be times when you find yourself looking to both the past and the future. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and may simply come down to availability or the best fit for your personality. If you would like to meet with a coach or counselor at Third Eye Family Solutions, please reach out at (385)347-0805 or thirdeyefamilysolutions@gmail.com to schedule a free 30-minute exploratory call. We will guide you in the direction that works best for you!