Therapy vs Coaching for Veterinary Professionals: When You're Not Sure Which Way to Turn
- Dr. Katie Ford MRCVS
- Mar 4
- 13 min read
You're exhausted. Maybe you're lying awake at 3am replaying that difficult case, or dreading Monday mornings, or wondering if you even want to be a vet anymore. You've heard about therapy, you've heard about coaching, and honestly? You're not entirely sure what either of them actually involve or which one might help.
If you're reading this feeling lost, burnt out, frustrated, or just plain stuck – you're not alone. The veterinary profession has some of the highest rates of mental health challenges of any profession, and yet we're often the last people to ask for help for ourselves.
Maybe you've tried therapy before. Maybe it helped, maybe it didn't, maybe you're not sure. Maybe the idea of coaching sounds interesting but you wonder if it's just expensive life advice. Maybe you're thinking "I don't have time for either" while simultaneously knowing that something needs to change.
Let's unpick this properly. Because understanding the difference between therapy and coaching – and when you might need which one (or both) – could be genuinely life-changing.
First, Let's Acknowledge Where You Might Be Right Now
Before we dive into definitions and differences, let's just pause and acknowledge that if you're researching this topic, you're probably not having the easiest time right now.
You might be feeling:
Overwhelmed by the constant demands and emotional weight of the job
Disconnected from why you became a veterinary professional in the first place
Anxious about making mistakes or client interactions
Trapped in a career that's supposed to be rewarding but feels exhausting
Guilty about struggling when you "should" be grateful for your job
Isolated because everyone else seems to be coping fine
Confused about whether what you're experiencing is "normal" work stress or something more
Here's what we want you to know: struggling doesn't mean you're weak, and needing support doesn't mean you're broken. It means you're human working in an incredibly demanding profession.
The fact that you're looking into getting help? That's actually a sign of strength and self-awareness.
The REAL difference between therapy and coaching (it's more nuanced than you think)
You've probably heard the oversimplified version: "therapy is past-focused, coaching is future-focused." While there's some truth to this, it's nowhere near the full picture.
What Therapy Actually Involves
Therapy isn't just about digging up childhood trauma (though it can include that if relevant). Modern therapy is far more varied and sophisticated than many people realise.
Therapy can help with:
Processing current stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout
Understanding patterns in your thinking, emotions, and behaviours
Developing coping strategies for ongoing challenges
Working through grief (including career grief if you're questioning your path)
Addressing trauma (whether work-related or personal)
Managing symptoms of mental health conditions
Improving relationships and communication
Building emotional regulation skills
Creating meaning and purpose when you feel lost
Therapy might focus on the past when: understanding historical patterns helps explain current struggles. For example, if you have people-pleasing tendencies who can't set boundaries with demanding clients no matter how hard you try, exploring where that pattern started can be incredibly helpful.
But therapy also focuses on the present and future: Many therapeutic approaches are very much about building skills for right now and creating change going forward.
What Coaching Actually Involves
Coaching isn't just cheerleading or expensive advice, in fact, it's not advice at all. Professional coaching (especially when done well) involves skilled questioning, accountability, and structured support for creating change.
Coaching can help with:
Clarifying what you actually want from your career and life
Building confidence and self-belief
Developing specific skills (communication, leadership, time management)
Creating actionable plans for achieving goals
Overcoming obstacles that are keeping you stuck
Making career transitions or decisions
Improving work performance and job satisfaction
Setting and maintaining boundaries
Developing a vision for your future and working toward it
Coaching acknowledges the past: A good coach will recognise how your history affects your present, but they won't spend sessions analysing childhood experiences.
Coaching focuses on possibility: The underlying assumption is that you have the resources and capability to create the changes you want – you just need support to access them.
So which do you need? (The Honest Answer: It depends)
This is where it gets nuanced. Sometimes the answer is clear, sometimes it's not, and sometimes it's both.
You might benefit more from therapy If:
You're experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that are significantly impacting your daily life
You're struggling to function at work or home in ways that feel concerning
You're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide (please reach out for immediate support: Vetlife is available 24/7 on 0303 040 2551, the NHS on 111 where there's a mental health option)
You keep repeating destructive patterns and can't seem to break free despite your best efforts
Past experiences (trauma, grief, difficult relationships) are heavily influencing your present in ways that feel overwhelming
You feel emotionally numb or disconnected from yourself and others
Substance use or other coping mechanisms are becoming problematic
Your relationships are consistently difficult or unsatisfying in ways you don't understand
Some people find a therapeutic space really helpful to process the emotional challenges of a veterinary role on a regular basis.
You Might Benefit More from Coaching If:
You're generally mentally healthy but feeling stuck or unfulfilled
You have specific goals but aren't sure how to achieve them
You know what you want to change but need accountability and support to make it happen
You're facing career decisions or transitions and want structured support
Your confidence needs building in specific areas of your life
You want to develop particular skills like leadership or communication
You're ready to take action but need help clarifying the steps
You feel like you're surviving rather than thriving and want to change that
You want to set sustainable habits, implement boundaries and realign with what's important to you
You Might Benefit from Both If:
You're dealing with mental health challenges AND want to work on goals and future planning
You've made progress in therapy and now want coaching support for the next phase of growth
You're in a major life transition that involves both processing the past and planning the future
You have ongoing mental health needs that are well-managed, and you also want support with professional development
Understanding different types of therapy (Because it's not all the same)
Many people think therapy equals CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), but there are actually dozens of different approaches. Finding the right fit can make a huge difference.
Common Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Practical, skills-based approach
Good for anxiety, depression, phobias, and changing unhelpful thinking patterns
Usually shorter-term (12-20 sessions)
Is one of the first-line NHS approaches according to NICE guidelines
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Therapy:
Explores unconscious patterns and how past experiences influence present behaviour
Deeper, more exploratory approach
Good for understanding relationship patterns, identity issues, and complex emotional difficulties
Usually longer-term
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing):
Specifically designed for processing trauma
Uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain process traumatic memories
Highly effective for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Listed in the NICE guidelines
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Combines mindfulness with behavior change strategies
Focuses on psychological flexibility and living according to your values
Good for chronic stress, workplace difficulties, and life transitions
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
Teaches specific skills for managing emotions, relationships, and distress
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder but helpful for many conditions
Combines individual therapy with skills groups
Systemic/Family/Relationship Therapy:
Looks at relationships and family systems
Can be done individually or with family members
Good for relationship issues, family conflicts, and understanding patterns
Finding the Right Therapeutic Approach
Most therapists integrate multiple approaches rather than sticking rigidly to one method.
What matters most is:
The therapeutic relationship – do you feel heard, understood, and safe?
The therapist's experience with issues similar to yours
Your personal preferences – do you want practical tools, deep exploration, or something in between?
Cultural competence – does the therapist understand your background and context?
Is the therapist properly qualified in the modality they plan to use?
Where and How to Find a Therapist
NHS Options
Your GP: Start here for referrals to NHS mental health services. Be honest about how you're feeling – they can't help if they don't know the full picture.
NHS Talking Therapies: Formerly called IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). You can often self-refer through their website. Usually offers CBT-based approaches.
Crisis Teams: If you're in crisis, contact your local NHS crisis team or call 111.
The reality: NHS waiting lists are often long (weeks to months), and you may have limited choice in therapist or approach. But it's free, and the therapists are qualified.
Private Options
We know this isn't an option for everyone, but please remember that this is a self-investment and private options exist. Here are a few useful starting points:
BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): Their website has a "find a therapist" tool where you can search by location, speciality, and approach. All listed therapists meet professional standards.
UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy): Similar to BACP but focuses more on psychotherapy. Good search function and professional standards.
Psychology Today: Has a UK section with detailed therapist profiles, photos, and specialities.
Word of mouth: Ask trusted friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Your GP might also suggest private practitioners.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many veterinary employers offer EAPs that include free counselling sessions. Check with your HR department – you might have access to 6-8 free sessions.
Veterinary-specific resources:
Vetlife: Offers free, confidential support specifically for veterinary professionals (0303 040 2551)
Mind Matters Initiative: Provides mental health resources for the veterinary community
Professional associations: Some offer counselling services or can provide referrals
Private Healthcare Insurance
If you have private healthcare insurance (personally or through work), check whether mental health services are covered. Many policies now include therapy provision.
Cost Considerations
NHS: Free, but longer waits and limited choice
Private therapy: Usually £40-120 per session depending on location and therapist experience
Low-cost options:
Training clinics (therapists in training, supervised by qualified professionals)
Charities and voluntary organisations
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees
Employee assistance programmes: Often provide 6-8 free sessions
The Process: What to Expect
Finding and Starting Therapy
Initial contact: Most therapists will have a brief phone conversation or email exchange to determine if they're a good fit for your needs.
Assessment session: Your first session will usually involve discussing what's brought you to therapy, your history, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Building rapport: It's normal to need a few sessions to feel comfortable. If you don't feel connected after 3-4 sessions, it might be worth trying someone else.
Setting goals: Even in open-ended therapy, you'll usually discuss what you're hoping to achieve.
Discovery Calls and Initial Consultations
Just like coaching, most therapists offer some kind of initial conversation to see if you're a good match. This might be:
A brief phone call
A 15-minute consultation
A reduced-fee first session
An email exchange
Use this opportunity to ask:
What's their experience with issues similar to yours?
What approach do they typically use?
How do they work with people in high-stress professions?
What does a typical session look like?
How long do they typically work with clients?
What Good Therapy Feels Like
If you've never been to therapy before, it can be tricky to know how it might feel. These are our examples alone as coaches who have been to therapy, to give you an insight:
You feel heard and understood (not judged or dismissed)
You're gaining insights or developing new skills
You feel safe to explore difficult topics, even if they feel uncomfortable.
There's a collaborative feel – you're working together
You notice gradual changes in how you feel or cope with challenges over time.
Red flags that a therapist might not be the person for you:
The therapist seems judgemental or dismissive
They push their own agenda rather than following your needs
You feel worse consistently without any periods of improvement
They're frequently late, cancelling, or seem unprofessional
You feel judged for your profession or lifestyle
Understanding Professional Coaching Better
What Professional Coaching Actually Looks Like
It's not life advice from someone's opinion. Professional coaching involves specific skills and methodologies:
Powerful questioning: Coaches ask questions that help you think differently about your situation. Not just "how are you feeling?" but questions like "what would need to be true for you to feel confident in that situation?"
Reframing: Helping you see situations from different perspectives. For example, shifting from "I'm terrible with difficult clients" to "I want to develop better skills for challenging conversations."
Goal clarity: Working with you to get crystal clear about what you actually want, not just what you think you should want.
Action planning: Creating specific, achievable steps toward your goals.
Accountability: Supporting you to follow through on commitments you make to yourself.
Skills development: Depending on the coach's expertise, this might include communication skills, boundary-setting, time management, or leadership development.
What Makes Veterinary Coaching Different
Industry understanding: A coach who works with veterinary professionals understands the unique pressures, ethical considerations, and culture of the profession.
Common challenges: They're familiar with issues like imposter moments, perfectionism, difficult client interactions, work-life balance in a demanding field, and career transitions within veterinary medicine.
Realistic expectations: They understand the constraints and realities of working in veterinary practice.
Professional development: They can help with career planning, leadership development, and navigating the veterinary career path.
Discovery Calls in Coaching
Most professional coaches offer free discovery calls (usually 15-30 minutes) to:
Understand what you're looking to achieve
Explain their approach and process
Determine if you're a good match
Answer your questions about coaching
This isn't a sales pitch – it's a genuine exploration of whether coaching would be helpful for you and whether you'd work well together.
When Therapy and Coaching Work Together
This isn't an either/or decision. Many people benefit from both, either at the same time or sequentially.
Common Combinations:
Therapy for mental health, coaching for career development: You might work with a therapist to address anxiety or depression while also working with a coach on professional goals.
Therapy first, then coaching: Process and stabilise mental health challenges in therapy, then work with a coach on building the life and career you want.
Long-term therapy, occasional coaching: Some people have ongoing therapeutic relationships for mental health maintenance while occasionally working with coaches on specific projects or goals.
Crisis therapy, maintenance coaching: Use therapy during acute mental health episodes and coaching for ongoing personal and professional development.
Making It Work
Communication: If you're working with both a therapist and coach, they don't need to communicate with each other, but you might find it helpful to let each know you're working with the other.
Clear boundaries: Be clear about what you're working on with each professional.
Financial planning: Factor in the cost of both if you're planning to work with both simultaneously.
Red Flags: When Neither Coaching Nor Therapy Is Enough
If you're experiencing:
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Severe depression that makes basic functioning difficult
Substance abuse that's out of control
Symptoms of psychosis or severe mental health crisis
You need immediate professional help:
Contact your GP urgently
Call NHS 111 or go to A&E
Contact Vetlife: 0303 040 2551
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Crisis text line: Text SHOUT to 85258
This isn't a failure – it's recognising when you need a higher level of care.
Making the Decision: A Practical Framework
Start by asking yourself:
1. What's my primary concern right now?
Mental health symptoms that are interfering with my life → likely therapy
Feeling stuck or wanting to make changes but don't know how → likely coaching
Both → possibly both
2. How urgent is this?
I'm struggling to function day-to-day → therapy (possibly urgent)
I want to make positive changes but I'm coping → coaching or therapy
I'm in crisis → immediate professional help
3. What kind of support appeals to me?
I want to understand why I keep struggling with the same patterns → therapy
I want practical strategies and accountability for making changes → coaching
I want both understanding and action → possibly both
4. What are my resources?
Limited time and money → consider NHS options or EAP counselling
More flexibility → private therapy or coaching
Employer support → check what's available through work
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels right, explore it. If a coach or therapist comes recommended by someone you trust, if an approach sounds appealing, if you feel drawn to a particular professional – follow that intuition.
You can always change direction. Starting with therapy doesn't mean you can't later add coaching. Trying coaching doesn't mean you're committed forever.
The best help is the help you'll actually use. A less-than-perfect option that you'll engage with is better than a perfect option you'll avoid.
What Success Looks Like (And Why It's Different for Everyone)
Therapy Success Might Look Like:
Feeling less anxious or depressed longer term
Understanding patterns that have been holding you back
Developing better coping strategies
Improved relationships
Feeling more like yourself again
Processing difficult experiences or trauma
Having tools to manage ongoing mental health needs
Coaching Success Might Look Like:
Achieving specific goals you set
Feeling more confident in professional situations
Having clearer direction for your career
Better work-life balance
Improved communication skills
Making decisions that align with your values
Feeling more in control of your life direction
Both Might Help You:
Feel more resilient in the face of challenges
Have better relationships with colleagues, clients, and family
Find more meaning and satisfaction in your work
Develop a stronger sense of who you are and what you want
Build a life that feels more authentically yours
The Bottom Line: You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
The veterinary profession is tough. The emotional demands, the life-and-death decisions, the client expectations, the financial pressures, the physical demands – it's a lot. Add to that your own personal challenges, relationships, and life circumstances, and it's completely understandable that you might need support.
Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness – it's a sign of wisdom. It shows you're taking responsibility for your wellbeing and your future.
You don't have to have it all figured out before you reach out for help. You don't need to know whether you need therapy or coaching or both. A good professional will help you figure that out.
Start somewhere. Whether that's calling your GP, booking a discovery call with a coach, searching the BACP website for a therapist, or calling Vetlife for a chat – just start somewhere.
You deserve support. You spend your days caring for animals and supporting their owners through difficult times. You deserve that same level of care and support for yourself.
Resources and Next Steps
Immediate Support:
Vetlife: 0303 040 2551 (free, confidential support for veterinary professionals)
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 emotional support)
NHS 111: For urgent mental health support
Crisis text line: Text SHOUT to 85258
Finding Therapy:
Your employee assistance programme (check with HR)
Finding Coaching:
Professional coaching organisations often have directories
Veterinary-specific coaches (like us at Vet Empowered!) who understand the profession
Word of mouth from trusted colleagues
Your Next Step:
If you're still not sure what you need, start with the option that feels most accessible to you right now. That might be calling Vetlife for a confidential chat, booking a GP appointment, or scheduling a discovery call with a coach.
You don't have to make the perfect choice – you just have to make a choice and start somewhere.
The hardest part is often the first step. Once you've taken that, the path usually becomes clearer.
Your career is important, but your wellbeing is more important. Take care of yourself with the same dedication you show to the animals in your care.
