Coaching versus Therapy: Finding the Right Support for You

Featuring Izabella Lidrbauch (therapist) & Noura Saad (professional coach)

Izabella: People often confuse therapy and coaching, but they actually serve distinct—yet complementary—roles. Therapy helps individuals process emotions, heal from trauma, and manage mental health conditions.

Noura: Exactly. Coaching, on the other hand, is about helping someone take action—whether that’s making a career move, developing leadership skills, or building confidence in the workplace.

Izabella: I like to say therapy is like treating a broken leg—you need care and healing. Coaching is like having a personal trainer—helping you get stronger, stay focused, and reach your next goal.

Noura: And here’s the important part—coaching can be done without therapy. Coaches focus on goals like career growth and confidence, whether or not you’ve seen a therapist. And similarly, some people might only need therapy to work through mental health stuff, without coaching at all.

When to Seek Out Additional Support

Izabella: If a client is focusing on specific goals like career development, organizational strategies, or communication, I might suggest a coach. Coaches are excellent for providing practical strategies, accountability, and action plans. For instance, if a client has ADHD, I could work with them on exploring their diagnosis, potential medication, and emotional patterns, while Noura could help with day-to-day strategies for workplace success.

Noura: Exactly. Another example is burnout. I can help with time management, setting boundaries, and career planning, but if the burnout is rooted in deeper issues like depression or trauma, therapy is key. We do work with emotions in coaching, and we embrace that—it’s all part of being human. But if emotions are too deep or complex, we always recommend therapy.

How can I decide which professional to see

Izabella: The most important thing is reaching out for help. Whether that's to a therapist or a coach or both, taking that first step toward support is what matters most. 

Noura: I agree, it's about getting the right support at the right time. Whether it's healing, actionable strategies, or career growth, working with a professional who aligns with your goals makes all the difference. The right fit helps you move forward in a way that feels empowering and effective for you.

We’d love to hear from you:

• Have you worked with a therapist, coach—or both?

• If so, what has been your experience?