People often use the terms therapy, counselling or coaching interchangeably, but there are differences.  

Factor	Therapy	Counseling	MarriageTeam Coaching
Definition	Couples therapy is a form of psychological therapy used to treat relationship distress for both individuals and couples 1	Marriage counseling is a type of psychotherapy for married couples that tries to resolve problems in the relationship. Typically, two people attend counseling sessions together to discuss specific issues.2	Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.3   MarriageTeam coaching is a combination of relationship skill building and traditional coaching with trained coach couples to empower couples for winning marriages.
Deals with	Mostly the past and trauma, seeks healing.	Relationships. Seeks to identify sources of conflict and provide healthy ways of resolving it. Type of psychotherapy.	Mostly developing relationship skills and their application. Facilitates a process to create a more desirable future.
Typically works with	Individuals	Individuals or with couples	Always works with couples. The client is the marriage. No one is right or wrong.
Relationship	Doctor-patient relationship. Assumes a medical model	Counselor-client relationship.Tends to assume a medical model	Co-creative partnership
Assumptions	Emotions are a symptom of something wrong	Emotions are natural.	Emotions are natural.
Session Length	Typically 50 minutes	Typically 50 minutes	Typically 2 hours plus; determined by the coaches and the couple
Number of sessions	Can be for an extended period	Can be for an extended period	8-12
Cost	Typically $100 per hour or more. Sliding scales often available.	Typically $100 per hour or more. Sliding scales often available.	Total program $160 (16-24 hours), Financial aid  is available.

1. http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Couples-therapy.html
2. http://www.enotes.com/medicine-encyclopedia/marriage-counseling
3. http://www.coachfederation.org/about-icf/ethics-&-regulation/icf-code-of-ethics/

To determine if coaching is for you, answer the following questions.

	Yes	No
1.  Are there addictions involved that are not being addressed?
2.  Is there on-going physical abuse?
3.  Is there an on-going affair?
4.  Are there untreated mental health issues involved?

If you answered any of these questions with "Yes" then coaching is not your best choice and therapy or counseling  will probably serve you better.  Coaching works best for couples who want to change and are capable of changing. 

We have found that individuals experiencing  issues addressed in these four questions find change very difficult and are often incapable of meaningful change.  Once these issues are in treatment, coaching can make a significant difference in the relationship.