A question as to the difference (if any) between coping tools and coping skills was recently asked in a closed therapist group. I loved the question and the various responses other therapists gave as it's definitely open to interpretation. I thought I'd share my thoughts more broadly:
In a nutshell, coping refers to getting through difficulties and, hopefully, managing/reducing the effects or experiences which result from those difficulties.
A tool is something you can use if you want/need to and have access to it. A skill is more about knowing what the tool is, when and how to use it, and the how the application/use of it is going to help accomplish the task-at-hand.
In a different context, a "tool" is a hammer which one may know about or have access to in general. The "skill" is knowing what the hammer is for, what it does, and how/when to effectively use it. Its efficacy is enhanced if the use of it is practiced so you use it more proficiently when needed.
All told: all Coping Skills are Coping Tools, but not all Coping Tools are Coping Skills.
What are your thoughts? Do you have a different perspective?