Whatever vision you have for your future, if you have ever looked for outside help, you’ve likely come to a well-traveled fork in the road. One way leads towards a life coach, the other towards therapy. “What,” you might wonder, “is the difference?” Perhaps a better question is, “What is the best path for me?” I get these questions all the time, and I am happy to clarify the differences for you in this brief guide.
Therapy – or psychotherapy, or counseling – is a process of meeting with a licensed healthcare professional (a therapist) to diagnose and gradually learn to overcome destructive beliefs and behaviors. Therapy works through a patient’s painful feelings, addictive habits, relationship problems, and, sometimes, somatic (physical) responses. It focuses on deconstructing the unhealthy patterns and wounds from your past to free you for a healthier future.
While coaches are not healthcare professionals, there are many places where the two overlap. Although coaches may also explore a client’s past and the painful wounds and patterns that arise from it, coaches do not necessarily assume that such examination is required to achieve the client’s goals. Wherever the client is right now can be an excellent place to begin, and unhealthy patterns or self-imposed limitations are addressed and challenged as they arise. Where therapy may be indefinite in its scope, coaches help their clients discover a clear goal and plan to achieve it.
Coaches do not explore diagnostics. A therapist may determine mental illnesses or pathologies that allow their patients to receive clinical treatment. The focus of therapists is often the deconstruction of a patient’s past in support of their future. The focus of coaches is the fruitful pursuit of the client’s goals from a neutral starting point, addressing their past problems as they impede progress but without necessarily dwelling upon or exploring them in great depth. Boiled down, coaches work to empower you to take control of your life, define your goals, and guide you in pursuit of them.
So which option is right for you?
There is no “one size fits all” answer. Many who might thrive in coaching prefer the pace and ongoing support found in therapy. Others who stand to gain a lot from counseling feel they fit better in the proactive, focused setting offered by coaches. Some choose both! I find athletics
can be a useful metaphor when considering your needs. An athlete suffering from chronic pain or an acute injury will get expert support from a healthcare professional and physical therapist. On the other hand, while a coach will carefully factor in the athlete’s injury, they will also exercise their core talents, show them where and how to improve their game, and otherwise uncover every path to their optimal performance.
Coaching With Me
If you are unfamiliar with my work, here’s a brief summary of my qualifications: I am a skilled and experienced Holistic Mindset & Empowerment Coach, Reiki Master, and Hypnotherapist. I am a Certified Trainer & Master Practitioner of NLP, Life & Success Coaching, EFT, TIME Techniques, Hypnosis, Reiki & Crystal Healing. I am also the co-author of the Amazon Best Selling book You Have So Much Potential.
I work with clients like you to release negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. I help you overcome past trauma and move beyond limiting beliefs. I am fervently committed to guiding you into congruence with your innermost self, with the goal of realigning you with your higher purpose. I am singularly dedicated to your growth and improved wellness of mind, body, and soul.
I offer free 30-minute consultations for prospective clients, so call me today to discover the many ways I can serve and support you on your journey. Mention this blog, and I will also offer 20% off your initial product or service! Move yourself off of the fence and onto the path towards your fullest potential. I look forward to working with you.
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