How is Health and Wellness Coaching different from Psychotherapy?

Rita Thompson, NBC-HWC

National Board and Mayo Clinic-certified Health and Wellness Coach

One common question I get is--How is coaching different from psychotherapy?

The biggest difference between Health and Wellness Coaching and psychotherapy is that coaching is forward-looking.

While emotions and past experiences inevitably show up during coaching sessions, in coaching we do not take a magnifying glass to past experiences (like childhood), and delve into them like you might in therapy.

With coaching, we take stock of where you are now and where you need or want to be in your life, health, and well-being. Once clear on your vision, we strategize how you could potentially get there through realistic goal-setting and habit-building.

Health and Wellness coaching is not a replacement for mental health support, although they can be a great pairing.