COUNSELING vs COACHING

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

Counseling:
Both processes are similar, but the focus is different. Counseling presupposes a mental or emotional disorder. It will be diagnosed by specific criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 4). Counseling deals primarily with a person's past, incidents that have caused pain, and need healing. A primary goal is to reduce symptoms and facilitate a return to the point one can function again in the home, or community. These problems are often covered by insurance, and can be billed to your insurance.

Coaching:
Coaching is focused on assisting people to make changes in their lives that will lead to transforming their lives into one that is more fulfilling. The focus is on dealing with the person's future and the blocks that keep them from identifying God's purpose for their lives, and beginning to live that life. Coaching does not address any "pathology". coaching is more directive, and requires active participation of the person being coached. Coaching is not covered by insurance.

Problems of Living:
There is another way to look at the pain in our lives. Often there are times in our lives when we encounter difficulties where it is helpful to have another person assist in clarifying those issues, and facilitating healing and change. These situations include areas of communication, conflict resolution, and forgiveness. These issues do not necessarily warrant a diagnosis, and do not need to be considered an emotional or mental disorder. The down side is that without a diagnosis, insurance can't be billed.