What’s the Difference Between Coaching and Psychotherapy?

I offer both coaching and psychotherapy, but they are two distinct services with different purposes, processes, and professional guidelines. It’s important that prospective clients understand this distinction so you can choose the path that best fits your needs.

Psychotherapy

As a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts, my psychotherapy work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional or mental health concerns. Therapy is considered a healthcare service and is usually reimbursable through health insurance.  (Because I am not networked with the insurance panels I would be considered “out of network” and therapy might be reimbursable if you have out-of-network benefits).

Psychotherapy may include:

• Identifying and treating mental health conditions
• Working through emotional distress or trauma
• Changing unhelpful patterns of thought or behavior
• Building coping tools for life’s psychological challenges

Therapy often involves exploring sensitive or vulnerable areas of your life at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Because of the emotional nature of this work, psychotherapists have a strong ethical responsibility to protect your well-being and to “do no harm.”

*I am licensed to do therapy in person or virtually in the state of MA and online in the states of MA, FL and VT.  If you reside in another state I am unable to see you as a therapy client.

Coaching

Coaching is not therapy and is not covered by health insurance. Coaching focuses on personal or professional growth, helping you clarify goals, build skills, and move toward greater fulfillment or performance in your life and work.

Coaching may address:

• Life balance
• Major transitions
• Work satisfaction or performance
• Creative blocks or personal projects
• Increasing well-being or meaning

In coaching, you set the agenda. The process tends to be more action-oriented, forward-looking, and centered on strategy, accountability, experimentation and specific goals.

*I can see coaching clients who reside anywhere in the world.

If we are working together in a coaching capacity, we are not engaging in psychotherapy. If at any time it becomes clear that therapy would better meet your needs, we can discuss referrals and next steps.