Coaching vs. Therapy: Which One’s Right for You?

We all hit moments in life when we know we could use a little support.

Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your job. Or overwhelmed with a life transition. Maybe you’re simply ready to grow - but don’t quite know where to start.

It’s in these moments that many people turn to therapy or coaching. But what’s the difference? And how do you know which one you actually need?

Let’s break it down.

Therapy: Understanding the Past and Healing the Present

Therapy is a space for healing.

Licensed therapists are trained to help people process emotional pain, trauma, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Therapy often explores your past to help make sense of the present. It's reflective, supportive, and often long-term.

If you’re dealing with unresolved trauma, overwhelming stress, or persistent emotional patterns that are holding you back, therapy may be the best first step. Therapists can also diagnose and treat mental health conditions, which coaches are not qualified to do. We highly recommend Jimini Health!

Coaching: Taking Action Toward the Future

Coaching on the other hand, is about where you are right now, and where you want to go.

A coach doesn’t focus on your past so much as they help you design your future. They ask powerful questions, challenge your thinking, help you set goals, and keep you accountable as you move forward. Think of them as a partner in personal or professional growth.

If you’re looking to build confidence, take action on a goal, shift your mindset, or get out of a rut, a coach might be exactly what you need.

How to Know Which One Is Right for You

🛠 Therapy Might Be Right For You If You Need:

To heal from the past. ✅

To manage anxiety, depression, or trauma. ✅

Emotional support during tough life seasons. ✅

Help with mental health diagnoses. ✅

🎯 Coaching Might Be Right For You If You Want:

To set and achieve personal or professional goals. ✅

Accountability and structured guidance. ✅

Support through life transitions (career, health, etc.). ✅

To build confidence, clarity, and momentum. ✅

Sometimes, You Might Need Both

It’s not either-or.Many people work with both a therapist and a coach - healing with one, growing with the other.

The important thing is knowing what kind of support will serve you best in this chapter of your life.

At Kish, we focus on the coaching side - helping you find momentum, clarity, and accountability to move forward. Whether you’re navigating a career change, looking to get serious with your health, improving your mindset, or just figuring out what lights you up, our expert coaches are here to help you take that next step.

Ready to get started?

Sign up today at kishcoach.com and get your first session free.

Your breakthrough starts here!