When starting your mental health journey, you commonly see two different types of professions. One is a life coach, and the other one is a therapist. While both professions support individuals and their growth, they also serve different purposes. This article will discuss the differences between life coaches and therapists.

A life coach typically focuses on modifying and identifying problematic current behaviors and helping their clients work towards goals. On the other hand, a therapist will dive deeper into a client's past to understand the reasons behind their behaviors. Therapists tend to be more of an analyst of your mind, and your behavioral patterns also help facilitate healing and personal development.  

Before choosing between a life coach and a therapist, figuring out why you’re seeking help is important. Knowing your goals can help you make the right decision.  

What Is A Life Coach?

A life coach is a person who offers life coaching services. They focus on helping their clients achieve self-improvement and personal growth.  They are beneficial if you are looking for help in a specific area. Maybe you know what your goals are in life but you don't know how to get there. Or, perhaps, you are struggling to figure out what you want to do with your life and which direction you wish to take it.

Life coaches are beneficial for anyone who needs extra motivation, guidance, or assistance to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. They are great at helping you learn and understand who you are as a person by identifying your best qualities and skills. On a deeper level, they can help you discover your purpose and meaning in life.

Many life coaches tend not to work on mental health problems. If they arise, many will refer you to a licensed therapist instead. While they don’t handle many mental health struggles, they are able to help coach you around your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that you’re currently experiencing. The goal with that would be to help you not only realize your potential but they can also help provide direction, assist you with goal setting, and help you with solutions.

What Is A Therapist?

If you’re struggling with mental health challenges, you may benefit from a therapist.  Therapists who are licensed can help treat mental health conditions through a variety of approaches. Therapists will focus more on the root causes of issues to help someone find relief. They can help someone who has mental health issues and other problem areas including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Grief
• Couples counseling
• Relationship issues(family, friends)
• Career counseling
• Eating disorders
• ...and so much more!

Therapists can also help to provide direction for reaching your goals and finding solutions to problems. In therapy, the focus can revolve around analyzing the past to explain why you might be stuck in a certain pattern. It can help you heal past wounds, no matter what caused them, to have a happier future.

As a reminder, when trying to choose between the two professions options, it’s important to really focus on and be honest with yourself about what you’re facing and what your goals are to help determine the best fit for you

If you are interested in learning more about life coaching and how we can help you, don't hesitate to reach out to learn more.