Many people wonder what a life coach does and how it is similar or different than therapy.
Both coaching and therapy are helpful for working toward optimal mental health. They coexist beautifully in that they offer different and similar approaches. Just as we invest in our physical health by going to the doctor or working out, there are benefits that come from investing in our mental health.
Life coaching is for individuals who are high functioning, yet still suffering. As a life coach, I do not diagnose or treat mental illness or trauma. I don’t spend a lot of time with my clients discussing or delving into the past. We focus on current beliefs and thoughts that are creating their feelings, driving their actions, and producing current results. We take a look at what they want in their future and specific steps needed in order to get there.
I offer tools that help my clients get the results THEY want. Life coaching sees clients as whole and complete and as having personal wisdom within. I help my clients tap into their inner wisdom, develop and strengthen skills, and help them identify strategies for overcoming obstacles in reaching their goals. We take specific steps in each session to open doors to their personal untapped potential.
If you are looking for practical tools and wanting to gain specific skills in all areas of life, coaching is a great avenue. Life coaching tools help us learn how to pay attention to our brains and deliberately think on purpose rather than being pulled in by the unhelpful patterns of our past.
If you need help dealing with painful experiences and traumas that have happened in the past, therapy may be what you need to heal first before moving forward in your life. Therapists are trained and belong to a regulated entity. Life coaching is currently an unregulated field with coaches who are generally trained and focus in specific areas. Most good coaches are certified and pursue ongoing education for the areas in which they work.
Do your research and find what you think is the best fit for your circumstances. I have benefitted from both therapy and coaching. As an anxiety and confidence coach, I have gained an immense understanding of the power of our minds and the ability we have to create real results with the right tools. I am grateful to have found coaching and that it became a turning point in my life for lasting change.
If you would like to learn more about the power of coaching, schedule a free consultation today.
