A coach takes an individual from a competent status to an even more highly competent status; a coach helps an individual achieve goals. A therapist/counselor takes an individual from a less than competent status and moves the individual closer to a competent status; a therapist/counselor helps an individual achieve normalcy. A coach has a goal orientation. A therapist/counselor has more of a process orientation. A coach focuses on the future. A therapist/counselor focuses more on the past.