It’s a question I get asked more often than you’d think: “Binod, do I need a coach or a therapist?” My answer? It depends. Sometimes, you may actually need both.
I was recently having this very conversation with a client. He had an excellent therapist he’d stopped seeing, but as we dug deeper into our session, I strongly encouraged him to consider resuming sessions with his therapist, whilst continuing sessions with me as his executive coach. Why? Because the focus and expertise a therapist brings to the table are very different from what an executive coach offers. The one looks back, while the other looks ahead. And when you combine the two, the result can only be that much more transformational. Let me explain.
Coaches vs. Therapists: The Core Difference
Here’s the simplest way to look at it: a therapist primarily helps you unpack the sum of you (otherwise known as your past), while an executive coach focuses on guiding you through key decisions and charting your professional future, specifically when it comes to your career.
A therapist is a mental health professional, trained to help you work through trauma, emotional challenges, and those deeply rooted patterns that might be holding you back. A therapist is equipped with specific tools and techniques to address mental health issues—things an executive coach simply isn’t trained to do.
On the flip side, an executive coach is your go-to person for career strategy, personal branding, and achieving your professional goals. They won’t analyse your childhood or dive into unresolved emotional baggage (and trust me, you don’t want them to). Instead, they’ll help you figure out where you want to go in your career and how to get there.
Think of it this way: if you’re trying to climb a mountain, a therapist will help you understand why you keep tripping over the same rock, while an executive coach will map out the best route to the summit. Both are valuable, and in this example it’s easy to see that sometimes, you need both perspectives to get where you want to be.
Why You Might Need a Therapist
Let’s talk about the therapist’s role in your journey. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or patterns you can’t seem to break, a therapist is essential. They’re the professionals who can help you understand why you feel the way you do and give you the tools to heal and move forward in both your personal and professional life.
For example, let’s say you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, even though there’s no real reason to doubt your abilities at an executive level. A therapist can help identify the root causes of that self-doubt, perhaps linked to past experiences or learned behaviours, and guide you through strategies to overcome it. Once you address those deeper issues, you can move forward with a stronger foundation.
Seeking help from a therapist isn’t a sign of inability or weakness; it’s a proactive step toward understanding yourself even better.
Why You Might Need an Executive Coach
Now, let’s talk about where an executive coach fits in. If your mental health is in a good place but you’re feeling stuck in your career or struggling to reach your professional goals, an executive coach can help you gain clarity and take action. They’re the ones who’ll challenge your excuses, push you out of your comfort zone, and make sure you stay on track toward achieving your career aspirations and leadership potential.
Trust me, I’ve seen it all—self-doubt, career plateaus, and people with incredible skills who had no idea they had them. The power of coaching lies in self-awareness, something I speak about at length in Let’s Get Real. A good executive coach helps you get real with who you are and what you’re capable of. We all have biases that limit us—like thinking we’ve reached our peak or that a fancy degree is enough to get us to the top. But here’s the kicker: the higher you go, the less important that BTech or CFA becomes, and the more important your people skills are. An executive coach will help you spot and shatter those biases, uncover your hidden strengths, and give you the confidence to go after what you truly want.
It’s like hiring a personal trainer, but for your career—no more “I’ll start tomorrow” excuses. You’ll get out of your comfort zone, challenge your assumptions, and move forward with a whole new perspective. So, if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, a coach might just be the best investment you’ll make.
Why You Might Need Both
Sometimes, the best solution isn’t “either/or.” It’s “both.” A therapist and an executive coach bring different tools to the table, and when used together, they can create powerful results.
For example, imagine you’re navigating a big career transition. On one hand, you’re grappling with self-doubt and lingering fears that stem from past experiences. A therapist can help you work through those emotions and build a stronger mental foundation. On the other hand, you’re trying to figure out your next steps—whether it’s pursuing a new role, launching a business, or redefining your personal brand. An executive coach can guide you through career strategy, goal-setting, and accountability.
Together, therapy and coaching create a well-rounded approach: the therapist helps you heal and process, while the executive coach helps you act and grow.
How to Decide What You Need
So, how do you figure out whether you need a therapist, an executive coach, or both? Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose a therapist if:
You’re dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or patterns that you can’t seem to break on your own. - Choose an executive coach if:
You’ve got a clear sense of your mental health but feel stuck when it comes to achieving career goals, building your personal brand, or figuring out what’s next. - Choose both if:
You want to address both the past and the future, creating a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between one or the other. Both have their place, and combining their expertise can lead to transformative results.
