The Difference Between Coaching and Counselling – And How to Choose

When you're ready to get support for your mental and emotional wellbeing, you might find yourself asking: Should I work with a coach or a counsellor?

They both help you grow, both involve meaningful conversations, and both are grounded in your desire for change. But they are not the same—and understanding the difference can help you get the support that best fits your needs.

What Is Counselling?

Counselling (also called therapy) is focused on mental health, healing, and emotional processing. It’s typically led by a licensed therapist who has clinical training in diagnosing and treating mental health issues.

Counselling helps you:

• Process past trauma or grief

• Manage anxiety, depression, or mood disorders

• Navigate life transitions and relationship issues

• Heal from emotional wounds

• Build emotional regulation skills

At Alberta Online Counselling, all of our therapists are trained to work with clients through these deeper, more complex areas—whether you're struggling in the present or unpacking your past.

What Is Coaching?

Coaching is action-oriented and future-focused. Coaches aren’t there to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Instead, they help you set goals, build momentum, and level up your life in specific areas—like business, health, confidence, or productivity.

Coaching helps you:

• Get “unstuck” in your career or relationships

• Clarify your goals and take action

• Stay accountable and motivated

• Develop skills like confidence, mindset shifts, and decision-making

• Navigate blocks that aren’t rooted in trauma or mental illness

Think of it this way: A coach is like a personal trainer for your mindset and habits. A counsellor is like a trauma-informed guide for your emotional well-being.

Coaching vs. Counselling: The Key Differences

Aspect	Counselling	Coaching
Focus	Past + Present Healing	Present + Future Goals
Approach	Emotionally Deep + Therapeutic	Actionable + Motivational
Scope	Mental Health, Trauma, Disorders	Performance, Personal Growth
Qualifications	Licensed, regulated professionals	Certified (but not always licensed)
Best For	Healing, managing emotions, processing trauma	Building habits, achieving goals, staying accountable

Can I Do Both?

Absolutely. Many people benefit from both counselling and coaching—just not at the same time. If you're currently navigating mental health struggles or emotional overwhelm, start with counselling. Once you feel more emotionally regulated, coaching can be an amazing next step to amplify your growth.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Ask yourself:

• Am I looking to heal or to grow?

• Do I feel emotionally stuck or strategically stuck?

• Do I need a safe space to process my emotions—or a push toward my goals?

• Do I feel like my past is holding me back—or just unclear on my next steps?

If your answers lean toward emotional support and healing: counselling is your path. If you're looking for momentum, direction, and structure: coaching might be a great fit.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice—just different tools for different seasons of life. Coaching and counselling can both be powerful. What matters most is being honest with yourself about what you really need right now.

At Alberta Online Counselling, we’re here when your heart needs healing. And when you're ready to take action toward the life you want, a coach may be the next person to walk beside you.

Looking for support? Book your first counselling session and start your healing journey with a compassionate therapist who gets it.