Therapy Versus Coaching - What’s the difference?
At first glance, therapy, and life coaching may look really similar. And it’s true there’s a lot of potential for overlap. Let's unravel the differences between life coaching and therapy. If you've ever wondered which path might be right for you, read on as we explore the unique roles of each.
Life-Coaching: A Mindset Change
Imagine having a dedicated guide in the pursuit of your dreams—a strategist who helps you set and achieve goals, navigate challenges, and design a roadmap for your personal and professional aspirations. That's the essence of life coaching.
Life coaching is probably best known for its goal-oriented approach. It's a dynamic partnership where a coach empowers you to identify and reach your objectives, whether they be in your career, personal development, relationships, or overall life satisfaction.
Life coaches often act as your accountability partners, celebrating your victories, offering constructive feedback, and gently steering you back on course if you veer off track. This support is particularly valuable for those who thrive on structure and motivation.
Where therapy is about healing, life coaching is about helping you succeed and is inherently future-oriented. It's about envisioning the life you desire and developing the mindset, skills, and strategies to turn that vision into reality.
Therapy: Mental Health and Emotional Recovery
Unlike coaching, therapy uses specific (often science-based) strategies and treatments to help people experiencing mental health symptoms. This process often includes exploring your past experiences/trauma, family history, and how your current symptoms affect your ability to function. Therapists use diagnoses to explain and treat symptoms with the goal of emotional recovery. Therapy is meant to help you heal and learn new skills to prevent relapse of symptoms.
Just about anyone can call themselves a life coach. However, terms like “psychologist” and “marriage and family therapist” are protected titles and you have to have the education and licensure to use such labels. Most therapists have the requisite skills and training to provide coaching - but the same cannot be said about coaches. Life coaches should never attempt to provide therapy without a license and always be clear about what they can and cannot help with in terms of emotional support.
What’s Right for You?
The key to choosing between life coaching and therapy lies in understanding your current needs and aspirations.
I find coaching is a better fit when a person has identified one or two key areas in their lives they need help navigating. If they’re feeling stuck and know why, but can’t seem to manage to get unstuck, life coaching is usually a good fit. If you're seeking practical guidance, clarity on goals, and a structured plan to achieve them, life coaching might be ideal. Life coaching is particularly effective for individuals looking to enhance specific areas of their lives, make career transitions, or overcome specific challenges.
On the flip side, if you're grappling with deep-seated emotions, unresolved trauma, or patterns that seem to repeat themselves, therapy is likely going to be most effective for you. Therapy provides a space for profound self-discovery and healing, addressing the root causes of challenges and promoting a more robust sense of well-being.
Integrating Coaching and Therapy
Life coaching and therapy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many individuals find immense value in integrating both into their personal growth journeys. If you feel like you’ve made progress in therapy in managing symptoms, it could be time to start life coaching to set clear goals and create a roadmap. It’s also not unusual for me to recommend therapy to my clients when there are concerns that go beyond the scope of the coaching relationship.
Ultimately, it's about choosing what aligns with your current needs and where you’re at in life right now. The level of support you need and the type of professional relationship you’re looking for.
Remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you choose coaching, therapy, or a blend of both, the important thing is to honor your journey and prioritize your growth.
You've got this!