Coaching vs. Psychotherapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right kind of support can feel confusing. Coaching and psychotherapy are different services, but both can help you move toward greater well-being and a more fulfilling life. The right fit depends on what you are experiencing and what you hope to accomplish.
At New Frontiers Coaching, our coaching is designed to help adolescents and adults who want to make meaningful changes in their lifestyle, habits, goals, or overall well-being but find that social, emotional, or environmental circumstances sometimes get in the way.
Who can benefit from coaching?
Coaching may be a good fit if you are ready for change but aren't sure how to turn your intentions into action.
You may benefit from coaching if you want support with:
- Creating healthier lifestyle habits
- Setting and reaching personal goals
- Improving motivation and accountability
- Identifying strengths and building on what is already working
- Navigating barriers to healthy lifestyle changes
- Developing more consistent routines
- Creating greater balance in your personal, academic, athletic, or professional life
We work with adolescents and adults, and coaching is individualized to your goals, circumstances, and stage of life.
How is coaching different from psychotherapy?
One of the simplest ways to think about the difference is focus and purpose.
Psychotherapy can help you explore emotional or psychological concerns, understand patterns that may be affecting your life, process past experiences, and address mental health conditions.
Coaching is generally more present/future-focused and is action-oriented. Rather than focusing primarily on why you feel stuck or exploring your past, coaching helps you identify where you are now, where you want to go, and the steps that can help you get there.
At New Frontiers Coaching, we pay particular attention to what is already working in your life. We help you recognize your strengths, values, resources, and possibilities and use them to create realistic, sustainable change.
Coaching is not a substitute for psychotherapy or treatment for a mental health disorder. If therapy would be more appropriate for your needs, we will help you understand your options.
What training and credentials does a New Frontiers coach have?
New Frontiers coaches receive specific training in coaching principles and assessment tools. Training includes an additional 20 hours of NFBH training as well as education (Masters level) and experience using tools that explore areas such as personality and strengths, self-esteem, nutrition, and readiness for physical activity.
These tools are used to promote self-awareness and goal setting. They are not intended to diagnose mental health conditions or replace a clinical assessment when one is needed.
How long will we work together?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for coaching. Michelle often recommends approximately three months of consistent coaching support as a starting point because meaningful lifestyle changes typically take time, practice, and ongoing support.
At the same time, your needs and goals are unique. We offer different coaching formats and levels of support, and we can customize the process so that it fits your goals, schedule, and circumstances.
What if I feel uncomfortable talking about personal things?
You are never expected to share more than you are comfortable sharing. We will talk about the coaching process, expectations, communication, and privacy at the beginning so you understand what to expect. We want you to feel respected, comfortable, and empowered throughout the process.
Because coaching and psychotherapy have different professional and legal frameworks, we will also explain the confidentiality and privacy practices that apply to the specific service you are receiving.
Will the coach tell me what I should do?
No. You remain in the driver's seat.
Our coaches serve as guides and partners rather than people who make decisions for you. Through thoughtful questions, reflection, goal setting, and accountability, we help you clarify what matters most and determine what steps make sense for you.
You know yourself best. Our role is to help you recognize your strengths, consider possibilities, overcome barriers, and make informed decisions that are consistent with your values and goals.
Where and when do we meet?
Finding time for yourself can be challenging, so we work with your schedule and needs.
New Frontiers Coaching offers both virtual and in-person coaching, depending on availability and the type of support that is most appropriate for you.
We typically begin with an assessment or introductory meeting to understand your goals and determine whether coaching is a good fit. Follow-up may include phone or video check-ins, with additional assessment meetings as appropriate.
How do I know whether coaching or therapy is right for me?
You don't have to figure that out alone.
If you are primarily looking for goal setting, accountability, motivation, lifestyle change, and support moving forward, coaching may be a good place to start.
If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, symptoms of a mental health condition, trauma-related concerns, substance use concerns, or difficulties that are interfering substantially with your daily life, psychotherapy may be the more appropriate starting point.
As a private practice offering both psychotherapy and coaching, we can help you think through which service best fits your current needs. If a different type of treatment or a higher level of care is appropriate, we can also help with care coordination and referrals.
If you're looking for life coaching, wellness coaching, or goal-oriented support in Providence, Rhode Island, we invite you to reach out. Virtual services may also be available to clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Nevada, depending on the service and applicable requirements.
