Navigating the various options for mental and behavioral health support can be confusing.
VITAL WorkLife well-being programs offer both coaching and counseling, and understanding the difference is key to getting the right kind of help. This article will clarify the distinctions between these two valuable resources.
What is Counseling?
Counseling provides guidance and emotional support to individuals, couples, or families to help them explore feelings and thoughts, provide information and resources, and teach skills to manage issues more effectively. Counseling can address a wide range of challenges either virtually or in-person, including mental health, relationship problems, substance use, career hurdles, grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions. Counseling through VITAL WorkLife is a short-term (weeks to a few months) approach built on a therapeutic connection with the goal of gaining insight into thought patterns and behaviors to create a more stable and fulfilling future.
Counselors are licensed and regulated by the state, qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. While there's no fixed end date for counseling, employer-provided benefits often cover a limited number of sessions. After that, you may choose to use insurance to continue.
What is Coaching?
Coaching focuses on your present situation and your desired future. It's designed to enhance performance through goal setting and problem-solving. A coach will help you define your goals, create a plan with a timeline, and provide motivation and accountability to achieve them. While some coaches may have mental health training, it's not a requirement. Coaches aren't regulated by a licensing body, but reputable coaches, like those at VITAL WorkLife, may hold certifications from recognized industry associations. Coaching often involves a set number of sessions over a defined period, from weeks to months. Coaching sessions are typically not covered by insurance, but they may be included in employee well-being programs like those offered through VITAL WorkLife.
When to Consider Counseling
Counseling may be the right choice if you:
- Are addressing past or recent trauma.
- Have a diagnosed condition like depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
- Seek insight into and resolution of emotional or behavioral issues.
- Are experiencing difficulties in your marriage or other relationships.
- Struggle with anger management.
When to Consider Coaching
Coaching may be the best fit if you:
- Have a goal to achieve.
- Want to break out of your comfort zone and move beyond "autopilot."
- Hope to replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
- Feel confused about career decisions or major life choices and need guidance.
- Desire accountability in your personal or professional life.
We Can Help
Choosing between a counselor and a coach is a personal decision and VITAL WorkLife is here to help. We can help take the guesswork out of which path is right for you—maybe it is both. Take the next step on your well-being journey. Call today or connect online to find the best fit today.
Are you interested in learning more about our counseling and/or coaching solutions?
Visit us online at VITALWorkLife.com or contact us.
