Life Coaching vs. Therapy
Have you ever wondered what Life Coaching is and how it’s different than therapy? No worries, I’ve been there. I have gotten many questions about Life Coaching and what it can accomplish in your life. When it comes to professional support, there are two options that often come to mind: life coaching and therapy. While both can be incredibly beneficial, they are quite different in their approach and goals. I wanted to take a moment to break down the differences.
Life Coaching
This form of professional support is all about helping individuals achieve specific goals. Whether it's career advancement, financial success, or personal development, a life coach works with their clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve those goals. They also provide accountability and support throughout the process. This is a great option for those who have a general idea of what they want to achieve, but need a little extra encouragement throughout the process.
Steve Chandler, best-selling author, professional coach, and creator describes Life Coaching like this, “Coaching is a good profession for people who are genuinely devoted to making a difference in the lives of others.” He also explains how beneficial coaching can be in an individual’s life, “When someone sees the world differently, they show up differently, and they create results that looked impossible a moment before.” During a coaching session you will be encouraged to think big and asked questions to help you get to root of your “why” in the goals you want to accomplish.
Therapy
Therapy is focused on addressing mental health issues. Whether it's anxiety, depression, or trauma, a therapist works with their clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and helps them understand the underlying causes of their issues. They also help clients develop coping strategies and skills to manage their symptoms. This is a great option for those who are struggling with emotional difficulties or mental health. The American Psychological Association explains that there are 5 broad categories of therapy:
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies
Behavior therapy
Cognitive therapy
Humanistic therapy
Integrative or Holistic therapy
It is important to note that both life coaching and therapy can be incredibly beneficial. However, they are best used in different situations. If you're looking to achieve specific goals and improve your overall well-being, a life coach may be the best option. If you're struggling with mental health or emotional difficulties, therapy might be a better choice. It's also important to know that life coaches are not licensed professionals like therapists and do not have the same level of training and education. Additionally, therapy is usually covered by insurance, while life coaching is not.
Both life coaching and therapy can be very beneficial in helping individuals improve their lives. It's valuable to understand the differences between the two, and to choose the option that best meets your needs.
