What is the difference between coaching, consulting and therapy?

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Julie Cusmariu, One of Thousands of Spirituality Coaches on Noomii.

I am often asked to explain the difference between coaching, consulting and therapy. I was featured in an article in The Montreal Gazette about my Coaching practice and was asked exactly this question. This was my response.

“A therapist is like an archaeologist who delves into the past to reveal wounds and to facilitate healing.” “A consultant is more like a teacher – an expert in a specialized field one can seek out for advice – while a coach is similar to an architect, called upon to examine an existing structure and to achieve improvements, congruent with future goals.” ” I come to the process with no agenda of my own and with the idea that my client is well and whole,” . “I’m not there to fix anything but to facilitate bringing out what is already there.”

Coaching provides an on-going supportive relationship whereby the client’s strengths, values & desires are unearthed and expressed in their daily life. Clients are held accountable to their coaches between each session in support of their goals, desires and aspirations.

There is a crucial place for coaching, consulting and therapy in one’s life. By understanding their differences and learning about their strengths, we can make more powerful choices when the time feels right in our lives to seek counsel and professional support. I have benefited tremendously from incredibly gifted individuals in all three of these professions and know the importance of each. I am grateful that there are important distinctions between these three professions and that more than ever we have a choice of varying methods and modalities that can support us with our healing and transformation.

May all your choices feel empowered and right for you.