Why they get confused
The words coach, psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychoanalyst are often used interchangeably, yet they involve different formats, training, and boundaries.
Understanding the difference helps you choose what matches your request and not expect from a format what it doesn't offer.
The formats in brief
Coaching usually focuses on the present and future: goals, decisions, change. Psychotherapy is regulated medical/clinical care provided by licensed professionals.
My practice is private coaching with a psychoanalytic education. That means attention to deeper patterns and what repeats — but it is not medical care or a substitute for therapy where there are clinical indications.
Choosing for your request
If you need a space to understand yourself, repeating patterns, or a difficult period — thoughtful individual work fits.
If you need diagnosis, medication, or crisis help — that's for a doctor or clinical professional. Being honest about boundaries is part of responsible work.