At Canada Coach Academy, one of the most common questions we encounter is, “What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?” It’s a critical question and one that sheds light on the unique role of coaches and how they differ from therapists.
Let’s start with what coaches don’t do.
Coaches Do Not Diagnose, Evaluate, or Prescribe
Unlike therapists, coaches do not diagnose mental health conditions, evaluate emotional or psychological states, or prescribe treatment plans. If you’re looking for a professional to assess your well-being and provide a clinical diagnosis, that’s a therapist’s domain.
Instead, coaches are skilled at creating an environment where you can think for yourself and explore new perspectives. They’re not there to tell you what to do or offer opinions.
In fact, if you’re a coach and you find yourself giving advice or offering solutions, you’re not truly coaching. Coaching is about unlocking the client’s potential, not directing them toward what you think is best.
Coaches Focus on Presence and Attentiveness
When was the last time someone gave you their undivided attention? No interruptions, no looking at their phone, no sharing their own stories—just silence and focus on you.
That’s what coaching is all about. Coaches are trained to listen deeply, pay attention to body language, and be attuned to their clients’ energy, tone, and perspective. It’s about presence. They ask questions and offer observations that encourage clients to tap into their inner wisdom and explore their own solutions.
Curious about how Canada Coach Academy trains coaches to master these skills? Explore our ICF Accredited Coach Training Programs for more information.
Coaches Create Space for Self-Discovery
As humans, we naturally want to relate to others, often by sharing our own experiences. But here’s the thing—relating to someone doesn’t necessarily help them. When you turn the conversation back to yourself, you’re not truly engaging with the other person’s story. You’re taking the focus away from their experience and shifting it onto your own.
Coaches know how to resist that urge. They give clients the space to navigate their own thoughts, explore new perspectives, and uncover insights about themselves. The goal of coaching is to empower clients, helping them discover their inner resourcefulness and, ultimately, their genius.
The Power of Silence in Coaching
One of the most underrated tools in a coach’s toolkit is silence. Silence creates a powerful space for clients to reflect, think deeply, and come to their own conclusions. When coaches don’t jump in to give advice or fill the gaps in conversation, they allow clients to grow through self-discovery.
Bill Gates once said, “Everyone needs a coach.” And he’s right. The coaching relationship provides an external set of eyes and ears, as Atul Gawande put it, “reflecting back reality to another.” That reflection is often the catalyst for personal and professional growth.
At Canada Coach Academy, we train coaches to utilize silence, curiosity, and active listening as core components of their practice. Explore our Coach Certification Programs to learn more about how we help coaches develop these essential skills.
Coaching Isn’t About Giving Answers
As a society, we’ve been conditioned to believe that having the answers makes us more valuable. But in coaching, the opposite is true. Coaches are not there to provide answers—they are there to help clients find their own. When a coach steps back, listens deeply, and asks thought-provoking questions, they give their clients the confidence to find solutions within themselves.
This is one of the most profound differences between coaching and therapy. While therapy may focus on healing past wounds and working through diagnoses, coaching is about forward momentum. It’s about fostering growth and development, encouraging self-efficacy, and empowering clients to achieve their goals.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
At Canada Coach Academy, we’re passionate about training coaches to make a meaningful impact in their clients’ lives. If you’re interested in becoming a coach or refining your skills, explore our foundational coach training & certification programs and micro coaching credentials.
Coaching isn’t just about helping others—it’s about unlocking the potential that lies within everyone.
