Life Coaching
Clients often ask us, “What’s the difference between talk therapy and life coaching?” Aren’t they both trying to achieve the same goal? They are similar in the sense that both are targeted at resolving issues that have make the client feel stuck and in need of some help moving forward. But life coaching and therapy work differently. Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help normal, healthy individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, weight loss, improved work-life balance. etc.
|
Coaching |
Therapy |
|---|---|
| Client is emotionally and psychologically healthy | Client is emotionally in needs healing |
| Focuses on the present and future | Focuses on dealing with the past to shape the present and the future |
| Driven by goals and taking action | Driven by unresolved issues and feelings |
| Works toward a higher level of functioning | Works to achieve understanding and emotional healing |
| Results-based and focuses on exploring solutions | Explores the root of problems and offers explanation |
| Asks, “Where would you like to be and how can you get there?” | Asks, “How did that make you feel?” |
| Acts on information | Absorbs information |
| Coach and client collaborate on solutions | Therapist is the ‘expert’ |
| Contact between sessions expected (accountability and wins) | Contact between sessions for crisis and difficulties only |
The best way to determine whether you would benefit more from talk therapy or life coaching (or a combination of the two) is to simply ask us. We will be happy to help you determine which tool(s) work best for your concerns and goals. We also offer HIPAA compliant Telehealth sessions.