Therapist vs. Life Coach
Many people have several misconceptions about therapy and life coaching. Some may think that coaching is not a real profession. While others believe that therapists and life coaches are interchangeable. This guide will help you understand what each service provides, so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs.
Therapists Ask the Why
Why do people behave the way they do?
Most of us have thought about this question at least once in our life. Professionals, such as therapists, dig deeper to understand the subconscious and unconscious mind so they can identify the why from our past and why it affects our current behavior.
The Role of a Therapist
Therapists are licensed, mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy. They help individuals with a wide range of psychological problems, which include diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Additionally, therapists help people recover from their past trauma or issues. Therapists analyze the past so they can understand their current behavior.
Life Coaches ask the How
How can I help you move forward so you can achieve your goals?
People want to accomplish something – whether it’s finding a better career, finding inner peace, be kinder, traveling the world, having a family, or become a famous DJ or movie star – whatever the goal may be, accomplishing it is something that many people think about on a daily basis.
While some people are already out there making it happen, the rest of us may feel stuck trying to figure out what to do next. A life coach is perfect for those feeling lost or unfulfilled and need some guidance to take the next step. They can also help those who self-sabotage or experience doubt. Expert life coaches understand your why, but help you figure out how you can move forward, today, by developing effective strategies and action steps.
The Role of a Life Coach
Life coaches do not diagnose or provide treatment for mental health. While they believe it is important to understand what a person has experienced to get to this point in their life, they do not focus on the past. They use TODAY as a starting point. Life coaches are future thinkers and guide people to work through their current situation, envision their life moving forward, and help them establish accountability so they can achieve their goals.
The goal for life coaching is to help you get out of the funk. It helps those who are unsure about their lives, facing a major transition – such as a career change or relationship. Life coaches give you the tools you need to help you move forward and unlock your greatest potential. They can help you overcome today’s challenges and develop a positive mindset. Life coaching is about taking action and getting results.
Sessions with a life coach should be empowering and motivating. It should help you think about your life and desires. They should help you with the now so you can see success in the future.
You Should See a Therapist When You…
- Have a mental health concern
- Experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, etc.
- Need help with substance abuse
- Need to work through past trauma
- Have to overcome profound issues from your past
- Need to understand your emotions
- Are struggling with your relationships
You Should See a Life Coach When You…
- Want to get out of your comfort zone and start a new challenge
- Feel lost or confused about the next chapter in your life
- Struggle with major life choices and need some guidance
- Want to be held accountable to reach personal and professional goals
- Want to stop unhealthy or self-destructive habits
- Need to move on from the toxicity in your life and replace them with positive alternatives
- Need clarity on a specific goal or life choice
When You Search for a Life Coach, Seek Someone Who…
- Has a passion for helping others
- Listens and understands
- Motivates you to live your best life
- Has the background or experience working with your specific issue
- Uses effective strategies to help you improve your life
- Makes you feel comfortable being vulnerable to
If you find that a life coach is a better fit for you, take the next step and book your FREE consultation today!