Coaching focuses on the present and future; counseling focuses on healing the past.
While there may be some overlap in techniques, Nurse Coaching and counseling/psychotherapy serve different purposes and are rooted in different frameworks.
🧭 Nurse Coaching
-
Focuses on the present and future
-
Helps clients move forward toward goals that are meaningful to them
-
Encourages self-discovery, reflection, and action
-
Supports clients in overcoming blocks and creating new strategies for growth
-
Often uses complementary and holistic modalities such as mindfulness, guided imagery, and journaling
-
Works with clients who are ready to make changes
🪞 Counseling/Psychotherapy
-
Often focuses on the past, helping clients explore and heal unresolved emotional experiences
-
Addresses mental health diagnoses and emotional disorders
-
Typically provided by licensed mental health professionals
-
Works with clients who may need deeper therapeutic processing to move forward
✨ Key Distinction:
While both may involve active listening, goal setting, and deep conversations, Nurse Coaches do not typically diagnose or treat mental illness (unless they have advanced degrees, for example, Nurse Practitioners).
Integrative Nurse Coaches support clients in identifying what matters most in their lives now and empower them to move forward with purpose and clarity.