Therapy versus Coaching: A Guide for Library Directors & Managers

As a library director, Adrian felt pulled in every direction—federal funding cuts were looming, staff concerns were mounting, and community pressure was escalating over collection policies. The weight of leadership felt crushing, and she wondered if she needed professional help. But where should she turn? A therapist to process her stress and overwhelm? Or a coach to help her navigate the leadership challenges more effectively?

Many accomplished leaders in our field find themselves at this crossroads, unsure whether to seek therapy or coaching. The good news? By understanding the four key differences between these powerful modalities, you'll be able to confidently choose the mental health support that best fits your needs and propels your leadership forward.

The Foundation: Focus and Purpose

Imagine two professionals sitting across from a struggling leader, but each holds an entirely different roadmap. The therapist holds a map that explores the landscape of mental health, emotional healing, and psychological patterns. Their purpose is to address concerns like depression, anxiety, or trauma, often diving deep into past experiences that may be influencing current challenges.

The coach, however, holds a map focused on your destination. Professional coaching zeroes in on achieving specific goals, improving performance, and creating actionable plans for future success. For library leaders, this might mean developing systems to manage overwhelming workloads, building stronger team dynamics, or creating sustainable work-life balance. 

This fundamental difference in focus helps explain why many high-achieving library professionals find coaching particularly valuable—it meets them where they are and propels them toward where they want to be.

The Timeline: Past Exploration versus Future Creation

Therapy frequently examines past experiences to understand current patterns and heal old wounds. It's like having an archaeologist carefully excavate layers of your lived experience to understand the foundation of your current reality. This deep work can be incredibly healing and necessary for many people.

Coaching, on the other hand, is primarily future-oriented. It's like working with an architect to design and build a life and career you want. While the coaching process does require us to recognize our past patterns, its primary goal is to get you where you want to go and create concrete steps to get there. 

For busy library leaders juggling multiple responsibilities, this forward momentum can be exactly what's needed to break through overwhelm and create meaningful change.

The Scope: Clinical Concerns versus Performance Enhancement

If you're experiencing persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety that leaves you feeling paralyzed, or find yourself unable to cope with daily responsibilities, therapy offers the clinical expertise designed to address these kinds of mental health struggles. There's absolutely no shame in recognizing when we need this level of support—in fact, it takes tremendous courage and self-awareness.

But here's what I've observed: Many library leaders are managing their responsibilities well enough, and from the outside, they appear to have it all together. Yet internally, they know something needs to shift. Maybe they’re constantly exhausted, struggling to create a clear vision for their team, or feeling like they’re just surviving rather than leading with passion and purpose.

This is where coaching shines. It's designed for those who are ready to move from "getting by" to genuinely excelling. If you find yourself thinking, "I'm doing okay, but I know there's a better way to lead," or "I want to feel energized by my work again instead of drained," coaching might be exactly what you're looking for. It's about optimizing what's already working and building a life and career you truly love. 

The Method: Exploration versus Action

Picture two different workshops. In one, participants spend time working through their emotions and exploring their behavioral patterns through discussion and reflection. In the other, participants leave with specific action items, accountability partners, and a clear 90-day plan.

Therapy often involves investigating patterns, processing emotions, and may utilize specific clinical techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. The methodology is designed to cultivate insight, integration, and healing. Progress is measured by improved mental health and emotional well-being.

Coaching uses a more action-oriented approach with goal-setting, accountability structures, skill-building exercises, and strategic planning to help clients achieve specific outcomes. For library leaders, this might include developing delegation systems, creating boundaries around work hours, or building communication strategies for difficult conversations. Progress is measured by concrete results and goal achievement.

Your Path Forward: Choosing What Serves You Best

Now that you understand these four key differences—purpose, time focus, scope of issues, and methodology—you're equipped to make an informed decision about the support that will best serve your leadership journey.

Both therapy and coaching are valuable, and sometimes the most effective approach involves both. The key is choosing based on your current needs and goals. If you're struggling with mental health concerns that impact your daily functioning, start with therapy. If you want to transform your leadership effectiveness and create better work-life balance, coaching could be the catalyst you've been seeking.

As a library leader, you're already making a meaningful difference in your community. Imagine what becomes possible when you have the right support to lead with greater ease, effectiveness, and joy. Whether you choose therapy, coaching, or both, you're taking a brave step toward becoming the leader you're meant to be.

Ready to explore how coaching might transform your leadership journey? I invite you to book a free consultation call where we can discuss your specific challenges and goals. Together, we'll determine if coaching is the right fit. Your community needs leaders like you at your best—let's make that vision a reality.