Is executive coaching psychotherapy?
No. Psychotherapy focuses directly on relieving psychological pain or on treating cognitive or emotional disorders. Executive coaching does not focus on these things. Although executive coaching can be used concurrently with psychotherapeutic work, it is not used as a substitute for psychotherapeutic work. Clients who are appropriate for executive coaching can readily move from thoughtful reflection into action and are not significantly impeded by psychological pain, past trauma, or cognitive/emotional disorders. Since I’m both a licensed psychotherapist and an executive coach, I can answer any questions you have about which might be appropriate for you, and if need be, I can refer you to colleagues who practice one or the other. If, in our executive coaching work together, issues arise that I see as appropriate for psychotherapy, I will give you referrals to local psychotherapists.