Differentiating between therapist, coach, and consultant is important because they each have distinct goals, methods, and ethical boundaries. Understanding these differences will help to ensure that an individual seeks the right kind of support and receives appropriate guidance.
Therapist
A therapist or counselor is a trained professional that is qualified to diagnose and treat mental health issues including emotional challenges, interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders, trauma, or life transitions. The focus of treatment is identifying the root case of the issue and utilizing therapeutic techniques to process and cope. Using this title typically requires a masters degree, supervision, and eventual completion of a licensing board examination. Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines.
Coach
A coach helps an individual achieve a specific goal, improve their performance in a particular area, or make a meaningful change in their life (career, health, or relationship). They help their clients by assessing what their goals are developing actionable steps to achieving these goals. Coaches are typically future-focused and action-oriented and assist their clients by providing strategies as well as accountability. For a client to be appropriate for coaching, they should be self-aware, open to feedback, mentally healthy, and functioning well. Coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions and do not provide advice on medical or psychological matters.
Consultant
Consultants are someone clients turn to when they want help with their business goals. They typically bring specialized knowledge or skills in areas including strategy, marketing, finance, or operations. They will assess a problem, analyze the data, and recommend actionable solutions with a focus on improving systems, processes, and performance. They are sought out to deliver advice based on their experience and expertise, but do not address emotional or mental health issues. They are different from coaches and therapists in that their focus is on practical solutions rather than personal well-being or improved mental health.
Why Differentiating Matters
Therapists, coaches, and consultants each have different ethical standards, provide varied levels of support, and have a distinct focus. A coach may not have the expertise to treat mental health disorders and a therapist is not typically trained to provide advice on business strategy. Even if they do have this expertise and training, it is important that they practice within the scope of the role they were hired for. Determining whether your goal is to improve your career trajectory (coach), solve a business problem (consultant), or heal from emotional distress (therapist) ensures you identify the right professional to assist you.
Consider Us
The consultants at Compassionate Consulting Company are licensed independent clinical social workers located in Massachusetts who have been running successful counseling practices for years. Here are testimonials from clients that have worked with us. We enjoy working with entrepreneurs that are starting their business, expanding and hiring team members, as well as those who are considering diversifying and adding different income streams. Schedule a free consult so we can learn more about your business goals and share how we can help. Read this blog to learn how a consultant can help you achieve your business goals and this blog for advice on what to look for in a consultant.