Therapy Vs Life Coaching
What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach?
A therapist:
is usually someone you see long term
can help with trauma, PTSD, mental illness, and give medication
typically talks a lot about (and focuses on) healing from the past
spends a lot of time on analysis and introspection
is usually seen in person, though a few are now accepting clients over the phone
is the “expert” and gives more advice and direction than coaches typically do
A life coach:
can be seen sporadically when needed
almost always does coaching over the phone
is focused more on the future, goal setting, and action
focuses more on the present, future, and immediate problems
listens and asks questions, helping the client come up with their own solutions
While therapists and life coaches are similar, they do have a few differences, too. Patrick Williams, a psychologist and coach, explains it this way, “Therapy is about uncovering and recovering, while coaching is about discovering.”
If you aren’t sure whether you and/or your teen need a therapist or a life coach, send me an email and I will help you decide!