If you’re a high-achieving woman in leadership, you’re no stranger to carrying a lot on your shoulders — deadlines, team challenges, and the constant pressure to perform. But when you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning your next move, it can be hard to know where to turn for support. Should you work with a leadership coach, or would therapy be the better choice?
Leadership coaching vs therapy is a common question for women seeking growth, clarity, or healing. Both are powerful in their own ways, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the distinctions will help you invest your time, energy, and resources wisely.
The Core Difference: Past vs. Future Focus
While there’s some overlap in the skills and tools both professionals may use, the primary difference lies in focus.
Therapy generally works to help you process past experiences, heal emotional wounds, and address mental health challenges. It’s a space for understanding how your history shapes your present.
Leadership coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused. It’s about identifying your goals, building strategies, and expanding your confidence and skills to get where you want to go — faster and with more clarity. There may be review of patterns to change them in order to more easily access your focus.
When Leadership Coaching Is the Best Fit
You’ll benefit most from leadership coaching if:
You’re ready to elevate your executive presence and leadership style
You want to overcome imposter syndrome and be recognized for your contributions
You’re looking to develop strategic clarity for your career path or business
You want to sharpen communication, influence, and visibility skills
You’re ready to be challenged and held accountable for your growth
In coaching, we focus on your potential, not your problems. You’ll leave each session with action steps, new perspectives, and the confidence to move forward.
If you’re looking for transformational growth in a supportive environment, explore my Leadership Coaching or join a powerful community of peers in my Create & Rise Group Coaching Program.
When Therapy Is the Best Fit
Therapy may be the better choice if you’re:
Struggling with unresolved trauma or grief
Experiencing depression, anxiety, or mental health concerns
Needing a safe space to process past experiences
Seeking emotional healing before focusing on leadership or career goals
Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. If you feel overwhelmed by emotional pain or your challenges are rooted in past experiences, therapy provides the space and support to heal first.
Can You Do Both? Absolutely.
Many women I work with have therapists and coaches — and the two can complement each other beautifully.
Therapy helps you process and heal, giving you emotional stability.
Coaching helps you move forward with clarity, confidence, and strategic action.
Think of it like this: therapy clears the emotional debris, while coaching builds the structure for your next big chapter.
The Bottom Line
There’s no “better” option — only what’s right for you at this stage in your life and career.
If you’re ready to lead with confidence, quiet the voice of imposter syndrome, and achieve the visibility and recognition you deserve, I invite you to explore my Leadership Coaching or join the next Create & Rise Group Coaching Program.
