Therapist vs. Life Coach…Which is Right for Me?

Because you have found our website, it is likely you are looking to make some changes to improve your life.  It takes immense courage to take that step and we want to help you discern the best starting point.  Here are some differences between therapy and life coaching which we hope will help you in making a confident decision.

1) Therapists are medical health professionals who have at least a masters degree and are trained to help those struggling with mental health issues.  If you are struggling with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar or PTSD, therapy is the best choice for you.  Therapists work with clients to resolve problematic beliefs, behaviors, relationships struggles, emotions and physiological responses.  Therapy may include a focus on past traumas and issues to help with resolution of current struggles.  There will likely be a focus on introspection and analysis, in addition to goal-setting for the future.

2) Life coaches are not healthcare professionals.  Their primary orientation is on the present and future.  They help clients clarify goals and identify barriers and self-defeating behaviors in order to create an action plan for achieving their desired results.  The goal of a life coach is to help you get “unstuck”.  They will empower you, provide accountability and celebrate with you as you achieve your goals.  Life coaching can be a great follow-up to therapy, beginning at your place of renewed health to move actively toward your future.