Therapy vs.Consultation/Coaching

How is in-office psychotherapy different than consultation/coaching via Skype? 

"Therapy is about intentional courses of constructive dialogue; designed specifically to focus on the complex, dynamic, experiential and multi-level processes of the individual and his/hers relational social networks. These processes include past history, emotional and social (hi)stories, as well as the very present relational/ personal challenges. 

The ultimate goal of therapy is to accomplish a sense of relief from the problem/ struggle; and to reach to a satisfactory level of normal/ adequate functioning visibly experienced by the individual and others who are surrounding the individual/ couple/ family. This process could provide space for emotional and personal growth as well, though this is usually a by product of engaging in the therapeutic process.

Coaching and consultation are growth oriented processes. These focus on reaching specific results; excelling in one's potential; or reaching personal and professional goals in life. In order to reach these primarily defined goals; there are clear steps of action required to be taken from the start. The methods could be also didactic.

All these services are about assisting you at the end; the differences are nuances that we have socially constructed over time. These nuances are mostly about the philosophical stance and the posture of the person who guides/ leads the process as well as the methods s/he utilizes for reaching these goals." Dr. Dilek Wise