Coaching vs. Therapy vs. Consulting: Which Do You Need?
If you’re exploring support for yourself, your team, or your organization, you’ve probably come across these three terms: coaching, therapy, and consulting. They sound similar, and they do overlap—but they’re not the same. Choosing the right path depends on what you’re working on, what you want to achieve, and the kind of relationship you’re looking for.
Let’s break down the differences.
Therapy: Understanding and Healing
Therapy focuses on emotional well-being, past experiences, and patterns of thought or behavior that may be causing distress.
Primary focus: Relief from emotional pain, improved mental health, and greater self-understanding
Typical concerns: Anxiety, depression, stress, relationship struggles, unresolved trauma.
Style of work: Reflection, insight, depth, emotional exploration, reframing patterns, healing work.
When it’s right for you: If you’re struggling with symptoms that interfere with your daily life, or you want to explore the “why” behind what you’re experiencing.
Coaching: Growth and Forward Momentum
Coaching is about clarity, goals, and practical steps. While insight may emerge, coaching is oriented toward action and growth.
Primary focus: Moving from where you are to where you want to be.
Typical concerns: Career direction, leadership skills, decision-making, personal development goals.
Style of work: Action plans, accountability, honest feedback, expanding perspectives, unlocking potential.
When it’s right for you: If you’re feeling stuck, want to develop new skills, or need support making meaningful changes in your work or life.
Consulting: Expertise and Solutions
Consulting brings in an outside expert to diagnose issues and provide concrete recommendations. It’s less about personal exploration and more about systems, strategy, and results.
Primary focus: Solving organizational challenges and improving performance.
Typical concerns: Team dynamics, leadership alignment, culture change, communication breakdowns.
Style of work: Assessment, tools, facilitation, direct guidance, recommendations tailored to your business.
When it’s right for you: If you want an expert perspective, targeted solutions, and structured programs for your team or organization.
Where They Overlap
There’s not always a sharp line between the three:
In my psychotherapy practice, I balance depth with action and practical tools - like coaching.
A coaching engagement may explore deeper beliefs, worldview, and motivation - like therapy.
A consultant may also facilitate personal and professional growth for leaders (like coaching).
What matters most is finding the right fit for your needs.
How I Work
At Arborvitae Consulting, I draw on all three approaches depending on context:
With individual professionals, I primarily coach—though my therapy background helps me recognize when deeper work is needed.
With leaders and teams, I consult—bringing frameworks like the Enneagram to map strengths, blindspots, and growth edges.
With therapy clients (California only, and under my other business entity: Arborvitae Psychotherapy), I provide psychotherapy—focused on healing and emotional well-being.
The goal is not to put you in a box but to provide the right kind of support for your growth, your relationships, and your work - so you can get out of the box you’re already in!
Next Step
Not sure which path is right for you? Let’s talk. I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation where we can explore your goals and see what approach—or combination—fits best.