Life Coach vs. Therapist: Which one do I need?
◦ One of the most common instances I come across each day as a life coach, is people actually needing a therapist, or thinking that I provide therapy. In reality, life coaching is it’s own service that’s designed to help guide clients to reach greater fulfillment in their lives. A life coach, in other terms, encourages clients to trust themselves and counsels clients through their own personal and/or career challenges, help you to find clarity and we identify obstacles and problematic behaviors in order to create personalized action plans to achieve results. Life coaches can
◦ Improve your productivity and focus,
◦ Improve your work performance and ethic
◦ Improve your time and stress management, as well as prioritization,
◦ Improve self confidence, self-esteem, as well as help hold you accountable to your goals
To name a few. While it may still be hard to differentiate between life coaching and therapy, they are NOT the same. Therapists require certain education and licenses in order to provide mental health care treatment. Life coaching is focused on personal and professional development, and we help our clients build and use the right tools to reach their goals, but we do NOT offer clinical mental health care. Coaching can certainly resemble talk therapy, but coaches are not certified therapists and therefore cannot practice. It’s important to take into consideration that because life coaches are not required to be licensed, it can be easy for some people to pose as being helpful when they really are not qualified for the position. I personally took a nine month course (You go at your own pace but I was eager) to become certified. Some life coaches are not honest, and will take clients on that are out of their jurisdiction like those who are suffering with thoughts of self harm, low functioning depression, and those dealing with traumatic experiences that are hindering their growth. I have turned away several clients because they need therapy, and not a coach, and while it is possible to have a life coach and therapist at the same time, I personally suggest not taking therapy (if you are battling any of the above) first and then life coaching. It’s important to act with integrity in this profession, and I pride myself on doing so.
◦ Therapy, also referred to sometimes as counseling or psychotherapy, is a long term process where a client works with a healthcare professional to diagnose and resolve some problem behaviors, relationship issues, feelings, and more. Therapists analyze their clients past as a tool for understanding present behaviors, whereas life coaches identify and describe current problematic behaviors so the client and coach can work to alter them. While it may be hard, it’s important to understand what you need before starting with a life coach or a therapist. Therapy focuses on the “why” by exploring your past to understand your present, and diagnoses and treats mental health illness, addiction, and abuse. Life coaching focuses on the “how” by starting with your present so you can move into the future. It empowers clients to pursue their goals while also holding them accountable for their own progress. I would love to help you on your journey of “how” by setting up a free session with me today. Let's get you moving towards your goals!
