Choosing the Right Path: A Clear Guide to Coaching and Psychotherapy
Nowadays, coaching and psychotherapy are two common ways to get help with overcoming a problem, reaching a goal, or improving general mental health. While coaching and psychotherapy share some similarities, they also have important differences that are worth clarifying.
What is Psychotherapy and How Is It Practiced?
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that utilizes a range of approaches and methodologies, depending on the therapist's education and preferences. Common approaches include psychodynamic, systemic-relational, emotion-focused, brief strategic, and cognitive-behavioral, among others. These methods are rooted in various theories or "schools of thought" about psychological disorders, how change occurs and is sustained, and how human psychology interacts with the world.
Psychotherapy is practiced differently depending on the country and its regulatory laws. Typically, as in the United States, Europe, and Latin America, psychotherapy is provided by psychologists or therapists who have completed extensive professional education and have learned in-depth principles or a specific model of psychotherapy. In the U.S., for example, psychotherapists must complete graduate studies, accrue supervised practice hours, and pass board exams. They are also qualified to diagnose conditions according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), mainly for insurance purposes and to comply with medical standards.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a more recent addition to the helping professions. Originating in sports, it has expanded into areas such as psychological and mental health, using the archetype of a “teacher” or “coach” who supports your development, helps you achieve goals, and enhances your performance. Coaching is highly flexible and ever-expanding, allowing for practices that focus on personal, social, professional, family, spiritual, health, and other areas. There are many approaches, methodologies, and schools of thought that can vary widely among coaching specialties and individual coaches.
Although coaching is not regulated by specific legislation or boards in most countries—meaning there is no official license to provide such services—there is generally a high level of experience and knowledge behind reputable coaching practices. Coaches are usually experts in their fields and possess unique skills to help others achieve their goals and face challenges ethically, sustainably, and effectively.
My particular strategic approach to coaching is based on the Brief Strategic Psychotherapy model developed by Paul Watzlawick and Giorgio Nardone, both renowned for their work in communication and pragmatic traditions. I trained with Giorgio Nardone in Italy and have used this model for over 15 years in my psychotherapy private practice and in leading mental health and psychosocial programs across different environments. This experience now enriches my coaching, allowing me to help individuals and organizations unblock emotional, cognitive, and behavioral capacities to fully realize their talents and resources.
I invite you to read my blog "What is Strategic Coaching?". for more on my approach.
More in Common Than Expected
While it may seem hard to compare coaching and psychotherapy, they share some core principles and goals: both support clients' growth and healing, provide non-judgmental and safe spaces for discussing challenges, and help individuals move past obstacles. In fact, many coaching frameworks draw on psychotherapeutic theories and techniques—such as specialized dialogue (see Strategic Dialogue Blog, Link), persuasive communication, identifying baseline emotions (see Baseline Emotions in Strategic Approaches Blog, Link), and solution-focused tasks—which have proven highly beneficial.
Both coaching and psychotherapy are also learning processes, involving self-discovery, examination of beliefs or behaviors that block progress, and the development of new, more adaptable ways of living.
As noted, practice can differ significantly by geography. In some countries, the distinction between coaching and psychotherapy is minimal, as many psychotherapists offer coaching services. In the United States, where I practice Strategic Coaching, there are two main differences:
First, coaching is not intended to treat clinical mental health disorders that significantly impair daily functioning. Strategic Coaching, the approach I use, is for individuals who want to unlock their potential, overcome inner limitations, and create positive change, but who are not experiencing psychological disorders. See the areas we can work on together.
Second, coaches do not diagnose clients clinically using standardized protocols such as the DSM. Diagnosis requires specialized training and is regulated by professional boards. While diagnosis is important for insurance and health policy compliance, some psychotherapy schools use alternative assessment tools during treatment.
Although I am a trained psychotherapist, the Strategic Coaching services I offer are not psychotherapy and do not include DSM-based diagnosis. Instead, we focus on active assessment of the cognitive, emotional, or behavioral barriers holding you back and on identifying the right levers for change.
In summary, coaching and psychotherapy overlap in certain tools, processes, and goals aimed at enhancing psychological wellbeing. They do, however, differ in areas reserved for licensed clinicians, which are important to understand before starting any process. Both professions share the goal of assisting people in distress, freeing blocked personal resources, and helping clients fulfill more of their potential.
If you’re interested in an approach that combines deep insight with structured progress—respecting both your aspirations and your humanity—Strategic Coaching offers a powerful path forward.
Contact me to learn how this method can support your growth, leadership, and personal evolution.
