Connection:

What are the

Differences

Consider...

Not a Therapist. A Coach.

A therapist is a really great option for tackling different areas of life where help is needed. And honestly, there may be a point in my coaching where I might even refer a client to one. But therapists are different from a Coach. It's important to determine which would be best for you.

Therapist

Life Coach

Regulations & Training

Therapy: Highly regulated. Therapists must be licensed in the state where they practice.
They typically hold at least a master's degree in a mental health field and must complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience.

Coaching: Largely unregulated. There are no state or national licensing requirements for life coaches. Certification is available through professional organizations, but it is not mandatory.

Focus

Therapy: Past and present. Therapy often involves exploring a client's past, including traumas and deep-rooted psychological issues, to understand how they impact current behaviors.

Coaching: Present and future. Coaching is future-oriented, focusing on setting and achieving specific, tangible goals. It may address past experiences but only in the context of overcoming obstacles to future progress.

Treatment and Methodology

Therapy: Diagnoses and treats mental illness. Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
They use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Coaching: Focuses on goal-setting. Life coaches help clients develop and implement action plans to achieve their goals.
They use motivational strategies and accountability to support clients with career advancement, productivity, and other life transitions.

When To See One

Therapy: For healing and resolution. A therapist is the appropriate choice if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, healing from past trauma, or struggling with deep-seated emotional pain.

Coaching: For growth and achievement. A life coach is a good fit if you are "stuck" or want to improve specific areas of your life, such as your career, relationships, or overall wellness.

Client Relationship

Therapy: Long-term commitment. The therapeutic process can be long-term, lasting months or even years, as it often requires in-depth exploration and healing.

Coaching: Short-term engagement. A coaching relationship is typically a shorter engagement, lasting as long as it takes for the client to achieve their specific goals.

Can a person work with both a therapist and a Life Coach?

Yes, a person can work with both a therapist and a life coach, and the two roles can be complementary. For example, a therapist can help a client heal from past issues, while a life coach can work with them to build future-focused strategies once those issues are addressed. An ethical life coach will refer a client to a licensed therapist if they recognize that the client is dealing with a mental health issue that requires clinical care.