coaching

You might choose coaching if you:
  • want to make changes in your life and don’t know where to start
  • struggle with motivation, organisation, confidence, decision-making, planning (or with sticking to plans)
  • want to shift a mindset or habit that is holding you back
  • have plans and goals but feel alone in trying to make them happen, or
  • are going through a big change in your life, or have a big choice to make, and want structured support to think it all through.
a graphic of three stylised cogs linked together, with arrows showing the directions of movement, and two more cogs are lying separately below, not yet linked in

what are the similarities between coaching and counselling?

There are some similarities between coaching and counselling (therapy). Both approaches respect you as the expert in your own life and experiences, and both can help you discover more about yourself. Both offer the possibility of change. There are also some important differences…

what are the differences between the coaching and counselling approaches?

The coaching approach works well for people who are feeling ready for change, resourceful and whole (even if stuck, or anxious about next steps). Coaching is goal-orientated, focusing on your personal strengths and potential to thrive. You and the coach work together to help you navigate the journey to those goals at the right pace for you, and to understand the blocks that are getting in the way. A coach will give you more direction and advice than a psychotherapist, and will be more focused on the present than the past.

Blocks of colour, like a stack of blocks or a set of steps, with questions written on each one. The text reads: What do I want? Where should I begin? WHat's the next step? How do I get motivated? What is holding me back? And what can I do about it?
Blocks of colour, like a stack of blocks or a set of steps, with questions written on each one. The text reads: What do I want? Where should I begin? WHat's the next step? How do I get motivated? What is holding me back? And what can I do about it?

what are the differences between the coaching and counselling approaches?

The coaching approach works well for people who are feeling ready for change, resourceful and whole (even if stuck, or anxious about next steps). Coaching is goal-orientated, focusing on your personal strengths and potential to thrive. You and the coach work together to help you navigate the journey to those goals at the right pace for you, and to understand the blocks that are getting in the way. A coach will give you more direction and advice than a therapist, and will be more focused on the present than the past.

The counselling approach (therapy) works well for people who are in distress, who wish to explore their past to understand the present, and to attend to the emotional suffering they are experiencing. You can use therapy even if you have no idea what you want and no energy to do anything about it anyway. Therapy may lead to change, but it is not focused on identifying and meeting goals. It is more about gaining self-knowledge, insight and resilience.

what are the practical differences?

In counselling, it’s important to have regular, time-limited sessions to build security in the relationship (usually weekly, 50 minute sessions).

In coaching, the appointments are much more spaced out, perhaps meeting once every 4-6 weeks. Appointments are also longer – the first appointment can be up to 2 hours, and then further sessions are 90 minutes.

what if I need a bit of both?

You might do both over time. Lots of people find coaching a good next step after counselling. Others find that coaching brings up things they decide to explore more deeply through therapy. Also, although the approaches are different, a good coach is still a supportive listener, and a good counsellor can help you set intentions and see them through. Either should be a safe, supportive person for you to turn to. The difference is in the amount and type of support, and the purpose of the sessions.

Some practitioners, including Jane Pickard at The Next Chapter, are trained in both. Jane is always clear about whether you’re coming for counselling or coaching, but is able to draw on both sets of skills in her work with you.

how to arrange a coaching appointment

You can contact our coach directly to arrange appointments. Click here to go to Jane Pickard’s profile page, for session costs and contact information.