Recently we came across some new statistics about executive functioning:
- 82% of people don’t have a time management system (Accuity Training, 2022)
- 25% of people “Just deal with whatever seems most important at the time” (Accuity Training, 2022)
- 1 in 8 people (12.5%) never feel under control at work (Accuity Training, 2022)
Thousands of people are struggling at school, work, and with relationships because of diminished executive functioning skills, and many coaches are available to help, though it’s important to choose those with proper training.
When it comes to seeking support for improving executive functioning, you may find yourself wondering: Should I opt for executive functioning coaching or therapy?
In this blog post, we explore the differences between coaching and therapy, helping you make an informed decision about the approach that best suits your needs.
Click here to jump to the TL;DR summary.
Introduction to Coaching and Therapy
Coaching and therapy are two distinct professions that often overlap in their goals and methodologies. Both aim to support individuals in achieving their personal and professional goals, improving their mental health, and enhancing their overall quality of life. However, there are key differences between the two professions, including their primary focus, training, and approach.
Coaching is typically forward-focused, emphasizing actionable strategies and goal setting to help clients achieve specific outcomes. Coaches work with clients to identify barriers, set realistic goals, and develop effective strategies to overcome challenges. The primary focus of coaching is on personal development and achieving tangible results.
On the other hand, therapy often delves into past experiences, emotions, and trauma to provide a space for healing and understanding. Therapists are trained mental health professionals who diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Their approach is more introspective, focusing on understanding thought patterns and emotional responses to promote mental wellness.
Despite these differences, coaching and therapy can complement each other in supporting individuals’ mental health and wellness. By understanding the key differences between these two professions, you can make an informed decision about which type of support is right for you.
Understanding the differences between executive functioning coaching and therapy
Coaching and therapy serve different roles and purposes. They can often be complementary, and many individuals find they need one or the other or both to make progress on goals.
And while coaching isn’t therapy, it’s innately therapeutic.
As the graphic above shows, coaching and therapy have some similarities. In any high-quality executive functioning coaching or therapy environment, you should expect client-centered services that aim to improve your well-being in a safe and supportive environment.
Executive functioning coaches and licensed therapists should both focus on building on your strengths and setting realistic goals to help you work through current challenges.
However, as the graphic shows there are quite a few differences between executive functioning coaching and therapy. Each of them are reasons you might select to work with a coach vs. therapy. Therapists are particularly equipped to address health challenges that may require a deeper understanding of emotional and psychological issues.
The Role of a Coach (Executive Function Coach, Life Coach, etc.)
A coach is a professional who supports individuals in achieving personal and professional goals, enhancing relationships, and improving overall well-being. Coaches utilize techniques such as goal-setting, visualization, and positive psychology to help clients realize desired outcomes. Training programs for various coaching specializations—such as health, career, or relationship coaching—vary widely, lacking standardized requirements compared to therapy, which can result in differences in expertise among practitioners.
Coaches often specialize in specific domains. For instance, career coaches guide clients in advancing professionally, relationship coaches assist in improving interpersonal communication and connections, and health coaches focus on cultivating sustainable wellness habits.
Unlike therapists, coaches are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Their role centers on guiding clients toward goal achievement and enhanced overall well-being. Coaches collaborate with clients to identify strengths, establish achievable goals, and develop actionable strategies to accomplish these goals. They also provide ongoing support and accountability to keep clients motivated and focused.
Coaching sessions can occur in person, by phone, or online, offering flexibility tailored to clients’ needs. Whether the objective is career advancement, improved relationships, or overall life enhancement, a coach can provide structured support and strategic guidance toward meeting these goals.
Why choose executive functioning coaching?
In general, coaching emphasizes actionable, forward-looking strategies and tangible outcomes. Coaches target executive functioning skill development through interventions, skill-building activities, and positive behavior reinforcement.
While many coaches may lack extensive clinical training, there is a growing adoption of evidence-based practices within coaching. The coaching industry is expanding, partly due to limited access to traditional mental health care, prompting many to seek coaching as a supportive alternative.
Executive functioning coaching leads to gradual but meaningful improvements in daily routines, professional performance, academic achievements, and a deeper understanding of one’s neurodivergence.
Typically, executive functioning coaching enhances mental processes and positive habits related to EF skills, including organization, time management, task initiation, attentional control, and self-monitoring. Effective coaches also prioritize self-care, integrating it into a comprehensive approach to personal development. Executive functioning coaching specifically helps:
- Identify barriers and current challenges.
- Set goals and expectations of success.
- Teach replacement strategies and behaviors for what’s not working.
- Hold individuals accountable for progress.
- Recognize and celebrate progress.
- Put supports in place when things don’t go as planned.
Some additional reasons individuals select executive functioning coaching are that it doesn’t require insurance referral or approval (most coaching services are private pay), and that coaches can meet remotely or in the community location where an individual might need the most support.
For a full look at coaching, we recommend checking out our full blog post: The Ultimate Guide to Executive Functioning Coaching
Why choose therapy?
Not all executive functioning situations are suitable for coaching, and there are some reasons why selecting therapy is the best choice for an individual. Therapy is often recommended for emotional pain or distress that interrupts daily functioning, providing a space for healing and understanding that coaching may not address.
Therapy often looks to explore emotions, past experiences, and trauma with the goal of providing a space for healing and understanding. In some cases, therapists may work with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Therapists are trained mental health professionals with the goal of addressing diagnostic concerns. In general, therapists tend to:
- Be regulated by government bodies and licensure standards.
- Evaluate, and treat mental health concerns like relational issues, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, mental illness, and alcohol and substance use.
- Focus on introspective issues like emotions and thought patterns.
- Target sessions on open-ended questions that lead to new insights into behavior.
- Be governed by privacy standards different than that of coaches.
Both therapists and coaches work on creating long-lasting behavior changes through structured action plans, though their methods and focus areas may differ.
- Be regulated by government bodies and licensure standards.
- Evaluate, and treat mental health concerns like relational issues, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, mental illness, and alcohol and substance use.
- Focus on introspective issues like emotions and thought patterns.
- Target sessions on open-ended questions that lead to new insights into behavior.
- Be governed by privacy standards different than that of coaches.
Medical doctors, such as psychiatrists, play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, often working alongside therapists to provide comprehensive care.
There are no right or wrong reasons to select therapy vs. coaching. Just know that in some situations you may encounter an executive functioning coach who makes a referral for mental health services that are beyond their scope of practice.
Licensed Professionals and Credentials
Therapists, also known as mental health professionals, are licensed professionals who have received extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Therapists may hold a master’s degree or doctorate in a field such as psychology, social work, or counseling. To become licensed, therapists must complete a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience and pass a licensing exam.
In contrast, life coaches may or may not have formal training or credentials. While some life coaches choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), it is not a requirement for practice. The ICF offers training programs and certification for coaches, ensuring they adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines. Most coaches are trained and certified professionals, but the industry lacks centralized regulation, which can make it challenging for clients to assess the quality of services.
The major difference between therapists and life coaches lies in their training and scope of practice. Therapists are specifically trained to work with clients who are struggling with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to diagnose and treat these conditions. Therapists typically engage in deeper psychological work, while coaching tends to be more goal-oriented, focusing on actionable steps to achieve specific outcomes.
Life coaches, on the other hand, focus on helping clients achieve their personal and professional goals. They do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions and should refer clients to a therapist if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Clients seek therapy for resolution of past traumas affecting current life, while coaching focuses on present and future achievements. By understanding the credentials and training of these professionals, you can make an informed decision about which type of support is right for you.
When is Executive Functioning Coaching the Best Choice?
To find out if executive functioning coaching may be a good fit for your needs, we recommend starting with an executive functioning skills assessment. By examining how you or your student performs in areas like planning, time management, and impulse control you can learn a lot about what strategies might be the most effective to promote change. Executive functioning coaching not only improves daily life and work performance but also enhances mental fitness by developing resilience and effective coping strategies.
Life Skills Advocate offers a free .pdf downloadable Executive Functioning Assessment to help you pinpoint what EF skills might need a boost and if coaching may be right for you. Coaches and clients co create a personalized plan that addresses specific executive functioning challenges and sets the stage for meaningful progress.
When is Therapy the Best Choice?
As outlined above, coaching doesn’t cover every situation and may not be the best fit for everyone. There are certain situations where you or your learner might be better served by another professional. Consider these options:
- Tendency towards physical aggression or unsafe behavior towards oneself or others: Safety is paramount in any coaching relationship. If there’s a risk of harm to oneself or others, a different type of professional support may be needed. Options may include dialing 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or by contacting your state’s DDA office for more long-term support.
- Need for trauma-based or mental health support, without current help from a qualified mental health professional: While coaching can support personal growth and skill development, it’s not a substitute for professional mental health services. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health problems, providing targeted interventions for issues like anxiety and depression. Organizations like NAMI or therapists specializing in trauma who also understand neurodivergence can often provide the necessary support.
- Seeking medication or a magic solution: Real change takes time and effort. If you’re looking for an immediate solution, coaching might not meet your expectations and a medically-based option may be preferred.
- Active overuse of drugs or alcohol without current help from a qualified professional: Substance use issues can complicate the coaching process and may require specialized support. SAMHSA has a national helpline and organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide help.
- Immediate crisis or emergency situation: Coaching is not equipped to handle immediate crises or emergency situations. In such cases, it’s important to seek help from emergency services by dialing 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
While coaches frequently collaborate with therapists to provide a comprehensive support system, coaching services should not replace professional mental health or medical care. Therapists are equipped to manage conditions labeled as mental disorders, ensuring that clients receive appropriate care for complex psychological issues. It’s important to remember that coaches do not act as mental health counselors or medical professionals.
Coaches and Therapists: Collaboration and Referrals
Despite their differences, coaches and therapists can work together to support clients in achieving their goals and improving their mental health and wellness. Collaboration between these professionals can provide a comprehensive support system for clients, addressing both their mental health needs and their personal development goals. However, the lack of regulation in coaching can leave clients vulnerable to untrained individuals, making it essential to carefully evaluate a coach’s qualifications and experience.
In some cases, a coach may refer a client to a therapist if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. This ensures that the client receives the appropriate care and support for their mental health needs. Conversely, a therapist may refer a client to a coach if they are looking for support in achieving specific goals, such as improving their relationships or advancing in their career.
By working together, coaches and therapists can provide a holistic approach to support clients. For example, a client working with a therapist to address past trauma might also work with a coach to develop strategies for achieving their career goals. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive the support they need to achieve their desired outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coaching and therapy are two distinct professions that can complement each other in supporting individuals’ mental health and wellness. While therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, life coaches focus on supporting clients in achieving their personal and professional goals. By understanding the differences between coaching and therapy, individuals can make informed decisions about which type of support is right for them.
Whether you are struggling with a mental health condition or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, coaching and therapy can be valuable tools in supporting your mental health and wellness journey. By working with both coaches and therapists, you can achieve your desired outcomes and enhance your overall quality of life.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read Summary)
If you’re considering support to make strides in executive functioning skills, this blog post explains the differences between executive functioning coaching and therapy, helping you make an informed decision.
Coaching focuses on actionable strategies and tangible outcomes, while therapy explores emotions and past experiences for healing. Coaching improves daily life and EF skills, while therapy addresses mental health concerns. Both therapy and coaching can be valuable tools in supporting your mental health and wellness journey.
Both can be valuable, but therapy is necessary for issues like aggression, trauma, substance use, or immediate crises. It’s important to remember that while coaching can supplement mental health care, it should not replace professional medical or therapeutic support when needed.
Remember, coaches aren’t mental health counselors or medical professionals, and collaboration with therapists is common for comprehensive support.
Further Reading
- Accuity Training: Time Management Statistics & Facts 2022
- Amy Sippl: The Ultimate Guide to Executive Functioning Coaching
- Life Skills Advocate: Free Executive Functioning Assessment