Coaching focuses on visioning, success, the present and moving toward the future. Therapy emphasizes psychopathology, emotions and the past to understand the present, and it works more with developing skills for managing emotions or past issues than does coaching.

Coaches meet their clients in the present moment and focus on the future. They clarify goals, identify obstacles, and create action plans. Coaches are not medical professionals. However, coaches are able to receive training and certifications from an ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredited school as well as ICF coaching credentials (ACC, PCC, and MCC). Coaches focus on how to reach a goal. Their process is oriented towards action and results.