Different domains or grey areas? Setting boundaries between coaching and therapy: A thematic analysis

Abstract

Coaching and different forms of therapy – including counselling, counselling psychology, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis – are mostly one- to-one talking interventions. Despite some differences in their processes and aims, these interventions share commonalities, and the borders between them are not always clear. Even though previous research has explored these boundaries, many questions remain unanswered and there is still a gap in our understanding of the dividing line between coaching and therapy. Data for this study was gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews aimed to explore the perceptions of 10 coaches and therapists with more than five years of practice regarding the similarities, differences and overlaps between their professions. Data was analysed using inductive Thematic Analysis (TA). The study identified two overarching themes and seven subthemes that captured the participants perspectives: (1) Different domains or grey areas? – looking at the past or looking at the future; support change; a long journey or a quick fix; relationship; through the pink at the client and (2) becoming a coach/therapist – training and supervision. Findings from the study supported the difficulty to set clear boundaries between coaching and therapy and the need to including a framework of therapeutic theories and counselling in coaching training programmes.