In my journey to becoming a coach, I had to answer some tough questions for myself. The biggest one was figuring out the difference between coaching and therapy, and which path was the right one for me. I’ve found that many people have the same questions, so I wanted to share my perspective on how they differ and what the proper support is for you.

For many, the lines between coaching and therapy can seem blurry. As a coach, I believe it’s crucial to understand these distinctions so you can get the support you need when you need it.

Your Focus: Healing the Past vs. Building the Future

This is the core of the difference. Therapy is an essential process that often focuses on healing from the past. A therapist’s work is to help you understand why you feel the way you do and to process any old wounds or traumas.

My own personal journey is a perfect example. After having my two daughters back-to-back, I felt lost. The coping mechanisms I had built over a lifetime were shattered. Therapy was an invaluable part of my journey. But at a certain point, I was ready for more. I was prepared to move from healing the past to building the future. This is when coaching started to sound interesting to me as a career path.

Coaching, by contrast, is for individuals who are ready to move forward. We focus on clarifying your vision, identifying your strengths, and creating a strategic plan to achieve your goals in the present and in the future.

Think of it as the difference between healing from yesterday and intentionally building for tomorrow. While a coach can help you uncover limiting beliefs, we don't diagnose or treat trauma.
A Therapist is like your Doctor, and your Coach is like a Personal Trainer at the gym. Your coach works with you on targeted goals to move you forward in your journey.

Your Goal: Which Is Right for You?

To help you decide which path is right for you, here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

Choose a Coach if you are:

Building the Future: Ready to take action and create a new vision for your life.
Seeking to Act: Looking for a strategic plan and unwavering accountability to achieve your goals.
Working on Career/Life Goals: Looking for support in a career transition, building a business, or finding a new rhythm.

Choose a Therapist if you are:

Healing the Past: Feeling stuck in a past trauma or emotional wound.
Working on Mental Health: Experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
Needing a Diagnosis: Needing a diagnosis or treatment for a mental health condition.

Understanding the Investment

The initial investment for a professional coach is often higher than that of a therapist, especially if therapy is covered by insurance. This is because coaching and therapy, while both transformative, serve fundamentally different purposes and operate on different timelines.

The value of coaching lies in its action-oriented, future-focused approach. We work together for a shorter, defined period (3-6 months), concentrating on the present to build your future. The clarity, tangible roadmap, and confidence you gain to execute your vision are the return on your investment.

Ready to Design Your "Good Ending"?

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or if you know you have more to offer but aren't sure how to get there, coaching may be the right next step for you.

At Bonfini Coaching, my approach combines the wisdom of my own journey with the proven strategic methods of my professional career. I offer a space where you feel truly seen and understood, and you leave with a clear, actionable plan to get you to your "Good Ending."

If my story resonates with you and you are ready to put in the work, I would be honored to help you organize your own ‘inner closet’ and move towards your goals with more profound clarity, purpose, and ease.

Book a complimentary discovery call with me today to learn more about coaching and if it's the right fit for you.