What is the difference between coaching and counselling?

Understanding the differences between coaching and counselling can be very confusing. Both offer a safe space to have conversations that matter, but do so very differently.

 The fundamental difference between the two practices is that counselling is therapeutic and coaching is not. 

 In counselling, we explore feelings in depth, talk about past experiences and trauma which may have contributed to how you are feeling today and work on how you can manage these feelings.  The coaching approach is less exploratory, more specific and is typically action oriented; in coaching, we are focusing on understanding together what steps you need to take to achieve your goals and working through any obstacles that arise on this journey. 

How do I know if I am better suited to coaching or counselling?

As a basic guideline, coaching is for those who are mentally fit, whilst counselling is more appropriate for those who do not feel mentally well. 

 If you are struggling to cope day-to-day, feeling sad, overwhelmed, depressed or anxious, living with grief or aware that you have experiences of trauma that are impacting your everyday, counselling is likely to be more suited to you. If you feel well-resourced but feel stuck in an area of your life and unsure of how to move forward coaching is likely to be better suited.

 If you are feeling unsure about which service is best for you or your own mental fitness, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be more than happy to discuss this together in a complimentary ‘connection call’.

Why is there a price difference between coaching and counselling?

Due to it’s more specific, action-focused approach, coaching sessions are packaged. My coaching package includes six sessions, during which we will establish your goals and I will support you in working towards them. 

Counselling’s exploratory approach means that a set number of sessions is not as appropriate and therefore a package is not offered in counselling. Counselling is typically more long-term than coaching and therefore counselling is generally offered at a lower rate, to account for a greater number of sessions. 

 In addition to this, coaching sessions are longer than counselling sessions - with coaching offered in 90-minute sessions and counselling in 55-minute sessions. 

How many counselling sessions will I need?

I consider counselling to be a unique experience and therefore the number of sessions is unique for every individual, some people could have a couple of sessions and feel that they have been helped, whilst others might choose to work with me on a longer-term basis. Before starting work I like to have a ‘connection call’, so both of us can decide if we will be a good fit and during this conversation we can discuss the initial number of sessions. Typically, I suggest contracting for six sessions, with a mid-point review, but this varies for everyone.

I’m not currently in a financial position to pay for coaching/counselling, are your prices flexible?

Making therapy affordable has always been a part of my integrity as a coach and counsellor. I offer sliding-scale pricing, according to your financial status.