Clients often ask us, “What’s the difference between talk therapy and life coaching?” While they are similar in that they both aim to help people resolve issues and move forward, there are some key distinctions.
Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. It typically focuses on dealing with the past to shape the present and the future. Therapy is driven by the need to resolve unresolved issues and feelings, and it works towards achieving emotional healing and a higher level of functioning. Therapists are the experts, and they use their knowledge and skills to help clients explore the root of their problems, find solutions, and absorb information.
Life coaching is intended to help healthy individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, weight loss, improved work-life balance, etc. It focuses on the present and the future, and it is driven by the desire to set and achieve goals. Life coaches collaborate with their clients on solutions, and they act as partners in the process.
The best way to determine if you would benefit more from talk therapy or life coaching is to talk to one of our therapists or coaches. They can help you assess your needs and goals and recommend the best approach for you.