Coaching vs Therapy
A Clear Distinction
While both coaching and therapy support personal growth and well-being, they differ in purpose, scope, and professional boundaries. Knowing the distinction helps you choose the right kind of support for your current goals.
Coaching
Coaching is a goal-oriented process designed to help clients reach specific outcomes—whether in career, relationships, or personal fulfillment.
Focus: Growth, performance, and clarity for the future.
Method: Collaborative conversation, accountability, and strategy building.
Assumption: Clients are psychologically healthy, motivated, and ready to take action.
Example Goals: Career transitions, confidence, communication, decision-making, purpose, or boundary-setting.
Coaching does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Instead, it’s about activating potential and aligning life with values and vision.
A referral to a therapist will be provided if client requires mental health treatment.
Therapy
Therapy (also called counseling or psychotherapy) is a clinical process that addresses emotional distress, trauma, or patterns rooted in the past.
Focus: Mental health diagnosis, processing, and emotional insight.
Method: Evidence-based psychological techniques delivered by a licensed mental health professional.
Assumption: The client may be experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma.
Example Goals: Reducing symptoms, processing experiences, improving emotional regulation, or repairing relationships.
Therapy usually involves exploring early life experiences, mental health diagnoses, and the treatment of conditions under a clinical treatment plan.
Legal and Ethical Boundaries
As both a licensed psychotherapist and a coach, Thinn Aung maintains clear professional and ethical boundaries between the two disciplines.
Coaching services are not mental health treatment and are not a substitute for psychotherapy, counseling..
Therapy services are provided only under a separate clinical framework, governed by state licensure laws and privacy regulations (HIPAA).
Clients who begin coaching but later show signs that therapy may be more appropriate will be referred to qualified mental health professionals.
Coaching sessions are confidential, but not legally “privileged” in the same way psychotherapy records are protected under HIPAA.
No diagnosis, insurance billing, or clinical documentation is involved in coaching.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choose coaching if you feel stable and are ready to take action toward growth, clarity, and life direction.
Choose therapy if you’re experiencing emotional pain, trauma, or symptoms affecting daily functioning.
Disclaimer
Coaching services provided by Thinn Aung are distinct from any psychotherapy or clinical services offered under Apex Behavioral Health Center LLC.
Participation in coaching does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Always seek professional mental health care if you are in distress or need clinical support. Referrals to licensed professionals will be offered to address if mental health concerns arise during coaching sessions.
Thinn Aung does not offer emergency mental health services
How can I tell if a provider is a good fit for me?
Pay attention to your feelings of safety/comfort when sharing your story
Is your provider’s personality, work style, and techniques confirms your learning style? Language use?
Trust your intuition and your needs.
Discuss your needs and ask questions openly
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by contacting me here
If you have a psychiatric/mental health emergency, please visit your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Emergency Numbers
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 text HOME to 741741
LGBT National Hotline 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Youth Talk line 1-800-246-7743
Trans Lifeline 1-877-565-8860
National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Postpartum Support International Warm line 1-800-944-4773