There are many similarities between coaching and clinical counseling. The information below is intended to give an general overview of the difference between the two and is not an comprehensive list of their differences. Please contact me via the ‘contact us’ page for specific questions and I can help you decide if coaching is right for you or provide resources for clinical counseling should that be warranted.
Clinical Counseling
- Conducted by a licensed professional who is educated in mental health issues and who is being regulated by a licensing board
- LSW, LISW, LISW-S, LPC, LPCC, LPCC-S, MFT, LMFT, LMFT-S, or Psychologist
- The issue is diagnosable (ex. Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
- The issue causes significant distress in multiple areas of functioning (ex. social, emotional, professional, or relational)
- Examples of individual who would be potential candidates for clinical counseling:
- Individual is experiencing significant anxiety in anticipation for labor and deliver due to previous trauma within the medical context
- Individual is experiencing symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder after the loss of a pregnancy
Perinatal Coaching
- Conducted by someone who is likely passionate about specific issues individuals are facing and may have education or personal experience in that area
- There is currently no licensing board for coaches that is why it is imperative that you vet anyone who is claiming to be a coach to ensure you are not being scammed
- The issue is not diagnosable
- The issues is something the individual would like more education on in order to improve their ability to navigate whatever challenges they are facing
- Examples of individual who would be potential candidates for perinatal coaching:
- Individual is experiencing nervousness in anticipation of her upcoming labor and delivery and would like more information on ways to prepare for the postpartum period so she is able to feel more confident going into this period of her life
- Couple would like support to create a postpartum plan in order to identify supports and better navigate anticipated challenges