Approved CE Provider for:Â
What really separates therapy from coaching—and why does it matter? Although we often here about the distinctions betweeen therapy and coaching, the legal answer will likely surprise you!
Coaching As a Therapist: Legalities, Ethics, & Distinctions in Therapy & Coaching is a practical continuing education course designed specifically for licensed therapists in private practice by a therapist and attorney who knows the importance of clarifying all the misinformation surrounding therapy and coaching. Whether you're curious about adding coaching to your offerings or simply want to understand the risks, boundaries, and possibilities, this course will help you navigate the gray areas with confidence.
With clear guidance on ethical pitfalls, legal boundaries, and real-world practice considerations, you’ll learn what every therapist needs to know before offering coaching services—including how to keep your clients informed and your license protected.
ENROLL NOWProgram OverviewÂ
Coaching As a Therapist is a comprehensive continuing education program designed for licensed mental health professionals exploring the integration or transition to coaching within their professional services. The program navigates the often-blurred lines between therapy and coaching, providing ethical, legal, and practical guidance. Participants learn to differentiate between the two modalities, understand the risks and responsibilities of dual roles, and gain clarity on the business and regulatory implications of offering coaching services.
Through detailed exploration of definitions, modalities, legal distinctions, paperwork requirements, and case examples, the course equips therapists with the insight to make informed decisions about incorporating coaching into their practices ethically and effectively. Special considerations are also addressed for clinical supervisors guiding candidates in this evolving area.
Program Learning Objectives
Identify key legal and ethical distinctions between therapy and coaching, including the regulatory landscape, confidentiality, and privilege.
Describe the overlapping and divergent modalities and interventions used in both coaching and therapy with an emphasis on positive psychology.
Evaluate the risks and benefits of offering coaching services alongside or instead of therapy, including business structure, liability, and marketing considerations.
Implement clear boundaries and documentation practices to protect clients and ensure therapist compliance when engaging in coaching services.
About BrandiÂ
Brandi Morgan Matthews, LMFT-S, Attorney at Law
As an LMFT-S and Attorney in Oklahoma, I previously founded and owned a multi-location group therapy practice for more than a decade. During my 15 years of practice as a therapist, I specialized in working with children and families in the context of divorce and custody matters. Since 2010, I have practiced law focused exclusively on the areas of: (1) child advocacy, including serving as a court-appointed guardian ad litem and parenting coordinator; and (2) legal consultation and representation for mental health professionals.
Today, my law practice focuses exclusively on serving mental health professionals in Oklahoma. Consultations include all issues related to the practice of therapy such as responding to subpoenas, court orders, records requests, and licensing board complaints to complex legal issues including suicide and homicide assessment, child abuse reporting, and domestic violence.
Through my years of experience as an attorney and mental health professional, I have consistently seen the need for quality continuing education on legal and ethical issues to help therapists proactively address and avoid costly legal issues--especially for therapists in private practice. To fill that need, my continuing education programs are dedicated to helping therapists build legally sound, profitable, streamlined, and sustainable businesses that make a significant impact--without the overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout that is all too common to our profession.