Life coach vs. therapist: which do you need?
Learning the difference between a life coach and a therapist can help you make the right choice to fit your needs. Despite some common misconceptions, life coaches and therapists do not perform the same services. Life coaches are partners in your journey. They are like friends who have loads of practical advice about absolutely everything – jobs, personal relationships, life skills. Life coaches are your number-one cheerleader as you speed toward the goal post. Therapists are more like detectives. They investigate to help uncover past traumas and other mental behaviors that can inhibit your health and well-being. To help you decide whether a therapist or life coach is the right choice, we break it down and delve a little deeper into the purpose of each.What is a life coach?
Life coaches are not healthcare professionals, which is one way in which they differ from therapists. Think of life coaches like a well-rounded tour guide. You tell them about your most profound dreams and desires, and they help plan the trip to get you there. Whether you need to improve your personal and professional relationships or are anxious for a career change, a life coach helps you clarify your goals and establish a clear strategy for achieving them. Working with a life coach will:- Improve your performance.
- Help you develop your potential.
- Define goals and devise solutions.
What is a therapist?
Therapists provide counseling and psychotherapy in a healthcare setting. They are trained to identify past traumas and problematic beliefs or behaviors that can cause you to act out. Once classified, therapists guide dealing with the symptoms that manifested as part of the underlying trauma or mental condition. They focus on identifying issues from your past that are affecting a healthy future. Working with a therapist will:- Focus on past trauma
- Diagnose psychological issues.
- Promote healing.
