Navigating mental healthcare isn’t always easy. You may be wondering what type of mental health support you need. Understanding the differences between therapy vs. counselling vs. coaching can help you better navigate your mental health journey.

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Therapists, counsellors, and coaches have different focuses and approaches, but there is also a lot of overlap. All three can offer support depending on your needs and goals. Here’s a look at the differences between therapy, counselling, and coaching and how to choose the right type of support.

What's the Difference Between a Counsellor and a Therapist?

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The terms "therapy" and "counselling" are often used interchangeably. Both involve engaging in conversations with a trained mental health professional to address and treat mental illnesses or mental health concerns.

When it comes to counselling versus therapy in Canada, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA notes there is no generally accepted distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. Often, the difference depends on the professional’s training, interest, and work setting. For example, a therapist working in a hospital may have a different focus than one in private practice.

In Canada, “counsellor” and “therapist” are general terms. The regulated titles are psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, counselling therapist, and social worker. Licensed mental health professionals are overseen by their jurisdiction’s respective regulatory bodies. They must meet specific education, training, practice, and ethics standards.

Is Coaching Different from Counselling and Therapy?

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Although the difference between a counsellor and a therapist in Canada is minimal, coaching involves working with a professional to achieve specific personal or professional goals. Coaches do not have to be licensed, and there is no governing body that regulates training requirements or professional standards. However, many professional coaches do complete training or certification programs, and some may have even originally practiced as psychotherapists.

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When it comes to therapists, counsellors, and coaches, the aim of all three is to help you work towards living a more satisfying life. Each of these professionals can help you identify and overcome obstacles holding you back. Who you see depends on the specific issues you want to address and what you want to achieve.

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As previously mentioned, there are many areas where these types of support overlap, particularly between counselling and therapy. Let's explore some general distinctions to better understand the focus of each profession.

Therapy

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Therapy, also called psychotherapy or talk therapy, tends to treat a broader range of longstanding, complex mental health issues. Treatment is typically more in-depth and long-term. The focus is on working through mental health problems, whether that means processing past trauma or developing coping skills.

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Therapy can be used to treat certain diagnosed mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Because therapy is evidence-based, psychotherapists focus on the theoretical side. Therapists will work with you to uncover the root cause of problems and understand how your past experiences may be influencing your present situation. 

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Psychotherapists have a high level of professional education, typically holding a master’s degree or doctorate. They may practice several therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy.

Counselling

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Counselling tends to be focused on helping you find solutions to specific issues and develop strategies that can help in your daily life. This typically involves a shorter-term treatment, to make positive changes in your life.

Many counsellors specialize in specific areas, such as relationships, addiction, grief, or abuse. They can work with you to find practical ways to manage your mental well-being through coping techniques or strategies to navigate triggering situations.

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When looking for a counsellor, you’ll want to find someone who is registered with a professional regulatory body. This means they have met specific education and training requirements. In British Columbia, registered counsellors have a ‘RCC’ (Registered Clinical Counsellor) designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Other counsellors may be certified by the CCPA and have a ‘CCC’ (Canadian Certified Counsellor) designation. Some social workers provide counselling as well and may have an ‘MSW’ (Master of Social Work) or ‘RSW’ (Registered Social Worker) designation.   

Coaching

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Coaching can help empower you to personally grow and accomplish specific goals. It’s important to note that coaches do not treat mental illnesses, so coaching is not a substitute for therapy. 

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Instead, coaches can help you figure out what may be blocking your progress and collaborate on a plan to develop skills needed to achieve your goals. 

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Different coaches have their specialties and areas of expertise, which can include relationships, finances, spirituality, health and nutrition, career, and stress management. Coaches focus less on healing from past experiences and more on helping you create a path forward toward a fulfilling future.

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With counselling or therapy, you may be limited to seeing a practitioner within your jurisdiction. Coaches can offer services anywhere, so you may have more options available. However, while therapy and counselling are often covered under private health insurance plans, coaching is generally not. 

How Do I Choose Between Therapy vs. Counselling vs. Coaching?

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Therapists, counsellors, and coaches all have their unique approaches, training, and specializations. Who you choose should depend on your specific needs and goals, but there are some practical and personal considerations as well. 

Budget

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The cost of therapy, counselling, and coaching can vary and depends on individual practitioners. If you have private healthcare insurance through work or school, it’s best to look at your benefits booklet to see what mental healthcare is covered. Even if you don’t have insurance, there are many different free and low-cost mental health resources available.

Time Commitment

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All three types of support involve committing your time and effort for the best outcomes. Counselling and coaching can be beneficial if there are specific issues you are hoping to work through in a shorter amount of time. Therapy tends to be better for complex mental health issues that require a deeper dive and a longer time commitment. 

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Depending on your schedule and preferences, the availability of online vs. in-person services may also be a deciding factor.

Compatibility

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You may prefer to work with a professional who has expertise in a specific area, such as those who specialize in supporting LGBTQ2+ individuals, or those who have experience working with specific conditions, like ADHD.

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Ultimately, the most important consideration when choosing the best mental health support is finding the right connection. This may take some time and patience. However, finding someone who aligns with your needs, values, and personality and who can foster a safe and trusting environment will make all the difference.

Match With the Right Mental Health Support

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You may find yourself needing different types of support at different times in your life. At Phare Counselling, we can help you find the right support for your needs and goals, no matter where you are in your mental health journey. Ready to get started? Match with a Phare Counsellor today.

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Author Bio:

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Wendy Chan is a writer and editor who is passionate about health, wellness, and self-care. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly a decade, creating educational content for brands and companies across Canada. Since 2020, she has been a writer and researcher for Phare Counselling.

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Wendy specializes in authoring informative and accessible content on mental health, wellbeing, higher education, and technology. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. You can find her in Vancouver or Toronto, depending on the weather.

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