Therapy or Coaching? How to Choose

Michael Ceely

Michael Ceely interviews Shawn Buttner about the difference between a therapist and a coach.

therapy-vs-coaching

Can't decide whether you need a therapist or a coach? Shawn Buttner sheds some light on this common dilemma.

Shawn Buttner, Certified High Performance Coach

Shawn Buttner was working hard in the tech world when he decided to increase his skillset and get a coaching certification from the High Performance Institute.


While getting his certification, Shawn fell in love with the High Performance Institute's process, and realized that coaching was his true calling.


He started growing his coaching business while continuing to work at his tech job, serving high-profile clients like Walmart and Apple. Shawn then made the leap to full time coaching, and hasn’t looked back. 


As the founder Men's Therapy Directory, I was excited to interview Shawn and ask him about the differences between therapy and coaching. My hope is that this interview helps men make an informed decision.

Therapist or Coach? Getting Some Clarity

Men are often confused about whether a therapist or coach is best for them. This makes sense because there's not a lot of information out there about the differences.


Shawn shared some valuable insights from his coaching business, and provided clarity for men who might be on the fence about choosing a therapist or a coach.


Some key takeaways from the interview:

  • A therapist helps you resolve past issues or patterns that prevent you from moving forward.
  • A coach focuses on your desired future and helps you develop a detailed plan to get there.
  • Consider a therapist when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
  • Consider a coach when you're free of any major issues that would prevent you from reaching your goals.


Certainly there is overlap between therapy and coaching. If you can't decide which is right for you, schedule a call with both a therapist and a coach, and ask plenty of questions!


Find out more about Shawn's coaching style at shawnbuttner.com or visit his Facebook page

Watch the Interview

Shawn Buttner is a Certified High Performance Coach and owner of SB High Performance Group, based in Berkeley, CA. Learn more about Shawn on his website ShawnButtner.com

Share This Post:

Arrival and FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out

By Michael Ceely • March 28, 2022
An existential-humanistic take on modern society by MTD member, Troy Piwowarski, Psy.D

Depression as a Growth Opportunity

By Michael Ceely • August 10, 2020
Dr. Yakov Barton talks about the idea of developmental depression, and how it may provide an opportunity for growth.

Alignment & Modern Stoicism

By Michael Ceely • July 7, 2020
Courtland McPherson talks about how therapy and stoicism can help men can find alignment in their lives.

Barriers to Therapy, Trauma and Triggers

By Michael Ceely • June 14, 2020
In this post, Christoph Zepeda talks about barriers to men seeking therapy, complex trauma and how attachment-focused EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) can help.

Men, Emotions, and Intuition

By Michael Ceely • May 11, 2020
In this post, Rob Ashe talks about two typically underdeveloped areas of men’s psyches: emotions and intuition. Rob sees these as common themes that bring men to therapy.
Show More