Is a Life Coach the same as a Therapist?
Experienced coaches have similar qualities to counselors, in that coaches listen, observe, encourage and customize their approach to individual client needs.
However, there differences between coaches and therapists. For example, a life coach partners up with the people they work with to help the client improve and enhance the quality of their lives in helping the client move forward. Coaches do not analyze the past.
A therapist works with and counsels a client dealing with emotional challenges, mental illness, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship issues. A therapist often draws on the client’s past history in order to help the client heal. This also improves the quality of the client’s life.
Additionally, a life coach works actively with the client in order to create solutions and strategies; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. Often times, the coach’s role is to provide support so that the client can further develop their inherent skills, confidence and creativity.
Similar to therapists, life coaches support their coaching clients via in person or phone session in order to help the client create their best personal and professional life.
Through specific strategies and skills, the coach helps you define your goals and create the life you envision. Coaches help you focus, provide direction, compassionately challenge you, motivate you and celebrate with you.
If after our first session, or at some point during our coaching work together, it is apparent that you would be better supported by counseling, Psychotherapy or a medical professional, I will do my best to provide you with clinical referrals in your area, and will refer you out to the proper professional.