What is the difference between Coaching and Therapy?
Sometimes your path in life...
Feels straight and simple
Becomes bendy, risky or challenging
Turns bumpy and uncomfortable
Takes a wild and unexpected turn
Feels "good enough", but you want more
#AskForSupport
Coaching versus Therapy
"What is the difference and which one is right for you?"
Given the many support avenues available to Expats in the Netherlands, a Coach (Wanda Winterboer) and a Psychologist (Sanet van Tonder) teamed up to answer this frequently asked question. In this article, they try to keep it simple and general, rather than attempting to provide detail or absolute definitions.
When your path leads you to a new country, it is normal to feel isolated or overwhelmed by change, decision fatigue and everyday stressors. Asking for support early on, may prevent these feelings from turning into chronic distress.
Professionally trained coaches and therapists share important ground: They offer structured, confidential support and rely on a professional relationship of trust. They also aim to improve self-awareness, clarity and overall well-being.
However, these are distinctly different professions, each with their own purpose, boundaries and value. Coaching is not a lesser form of therapy, nor a substitute for it. Both therapy and coaching can be powerful and transformational! It really depends on what you need at this moment of your life.
Below are three core differences to help demystify and clarify the boundaries of these professions.
Difference #1: Coaching and Therapy
Training & Professional membership
“Therapy” typically means professional psychological/ psychosocial support delivered by trained professionals. Within the structured Dutch healthcare system this includes legally regulated professions registered with BIG (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) and/ recognised professional associations such as NIP (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen) or ABvC (Algemene Beroepsvereniging voor Counsellors). While the legal and professional distinctions between for example psychotherapists, psychologists and counsellors are important, this article refers to them collectively as providers of “therapy” purely for simplicity.
Therapy may be partially/ fully covered by Health Insurance, based on a number of factors, so it may be a good idea to check this with your provider.
The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential.” The title “coach” is not legally protected in the Netherlands, which means that their training, experience and approach can vary. For this reason, many coaches choose to pursue professional certification through recognised coaching bodies who set standards for ethics, competence and training. Examples in the Netherlands are the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Nederlandse Orde van Beroepscoaches (NOBCO), affiliated with EMCC (Europe).
As coaching falls outside of Dutch healthcare, it is not typically reimbursed by health insurance. Many larger employers however sponsor coaching as part of professional or leadership development.
Professional memberships/ certifications signal a commitment to ethical practice, ongoing development and professional accountability. It is one of several indicators of quality, alongside the experience, client testimonials and fit with the Therapist or Coach.
Difference #2: Coaching and Therapy
Focus: Content and Learning process
Depending on the professional’s legal/ professional status, therapy may involve assessing and/ or treating mental health conditions, alongside other personal or professional challenges you may face. Based on their therapeutic orientation, your personal history, symptoms, emotional experiences, and current functioning may be central to the work. Many contemporary therapies are also strengths-based and oriented toward present and future functioning.
Coaching does not treat mental health challenges and instead predominantly focuses on your learning process: awareness, patterns, decision-making, values, and how you relate to challenges and goals. Coaches are typically less focussed on the content of your story or what is “wrong” and more on helping you clarify what you are learning about yourself, your options/ possibilities, and how you wish to move forward. A large variety of coaching approaches exist and some are often combined in practice.
Responsible coaches and therapists will refer you to other professionals when your needs fall outside the boundaries of their profession, or their level of expertise.
Difference #3: Coaching and Therapy
Timeline: Past/ Present/ Future
Therapy may work across your past, present and future, with the balance shaped by the therapist’s approach and your needs. Some therapeutic approaches place more emphasis on past experiences, while others focus on present functioning or future resilience.
Coaching focuses mainly on your present and future situation. Your past may be explored to identify patterns, strengths or resources that support future development, rather than as a primary focus in itself.
So, which one is right for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice depends on your needs, life context and what kind of support feels right:
- If you are looking to discover more about yourself, where you are going and what is truly in your way, coaching can offer powerful support to help you move forward.
- Therapy is a good place to start if you are experiencing psychosocial/ psychological/ mental health challenges, looking to make sense from pain and life experiences, or if recommended by your Huisarts or another medical professional.
- Some Expats choose to work with both a therapist and a coach for different purposes.
Be mindful that it may take more than one attempt to find the right professional to support you. In practice, the quality and suitability of support depend less on labels and more on professional competence, ethical boundaries, and the fit between you.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about coaching versus therapy in the Netherlands and is not intended as medical or psychological advice. Coaching is not a substitute for mental healthcare. If you are experiencing psychological distress or mental health symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.
About the authors
Sanet van Tonder
Counseling Psychologist, based in the Netherlands. She trained primarily in South Africa with additional studies in the Netherlands. With over 12 years of counseling experience, Sanet offers proactive, client-centred counseling for individuals and couples. She is registered with ABvC as a 'Registercounsellor ABvC®'
Wanda Winterboer
ICF Certified Coach and Founder of Grow Nova in the Netherlands. She combines professional education in humanities and coaching, 20+ years of international HR experience, as well as experience in coaching Expats from 16+ countries. Wanda offers coaching in person (Randstad) or online to anyone navigating personal or leadership transition and growth.
