Therapy Vs Life Coaching

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What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach?

A therapist:

  1. is usually someone you see long term

  2. can help with trauma, PTSD, mental illness, and give medication

  3. typically talks a lot about (and focuses on) healing from the past

  4. spends a lot of time on analysis and introspection

  5. is usually seen in person, though a few are now accepting clients over the phone

  6. is the “expert” and gives more advice and direction than coaches typically do

A life coach:

  1. can be seen sporadically when needed

  2. almost always does coaching over the phone

  3. is focused more on the future, goal setting, and action

  4. focuses more on the present, future, and immediate problems

  5. 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!

Beau SorensenComment