The Difference Between A Life Coach And A Therapist
Certified Life Coaches and Therapists have two distinct roles in the field of personal development and mental health.Â
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between a certified life coach and a therapist:
Training and Education:
Certified Life Coach: Life coaches typically undergo training through accredited coaching programs. The training often includes coursework in coaching techniques, communication skills, goal setting, and accountability strategies. Certification is not universally regulated, but reputable coaches seek certification from recognized coaching associations.
Therapist: Therapists, also known as counselors or psychotherapists, typically have extensive formal education and training. They hold advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Doctoral degrees) in fields such as psychology, counseling, or social work. Therapists must also meet licensure requirements, which often include supervised clinical experience.
Scope of Practice:
Certified Life Coach: Life coaches primarily focus on helping clients set and achieve personal or professional goals, improve specific areas of their lives (e.g., career, relationships, personal development), and enhance their overall well-being. Coaches often work with clients who are functioning relatively well but seek guidance, motivation, and accountability.
Therapist: Therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional health issues. They work with clients who may be experiencing conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or relationship problems. Therapists use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address underlying psychological and emotional issues.
Client Needs:
Certified Life Coach: Clients who seek the services of a life coach typically want to make positive changes in their lives, set and achieve goals, enhance their performance, and gain clarity about their aspirations. Coaching is often solution-focused and forward-looking.
Therapist: Clients who seek therapy often have specific mental health concerns or emotional challenges that require therapeutic intervention. Therapy sessions delve into the past, address underlying issues, and focus on healing and personal growth.
Ethical Guidelines and Regulations:
Certified Life Coach: Life coaches adhere to ethical guidelines set by coaching associations such as the ICF, but these guidelines may not be as stringent or legally enforced as those governing therapists. The coaching industry is less regulated overall.
Therapist: Therapists are held to strict ethical and legal standards, including client confidentiality. They must follow established codes of ethics and are subject to licensure board regulations.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Certified Life Coach: Life coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. They do not provide therapy or counseling services, and they do not prescribe medication.
Therapist: Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They provide therapeutic interventions, including talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and other evidence-based treatments. In some cases, therapists may collaborate with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication.
In summary, the primary difference between a certified life coach and a therapist lies in their training, scope of practice, and the nature of the issues they address. Life coaches focus on personal and professional development, goal attainment, and motivation, while therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and emotional issues. Both professions play essential roles in supporting individuals on their journeys toward improved well-being, but they serve distinct needs and have different areas of expertise.
Fern is the Founder and Director of the Life Purpose Institute, Inc. Before working as a coach; she was a mental health counselor, social worker, and career counselor. She developed her unique coaching method in 1984 and has assisted thousands of people in her coaching practice in making positive life and career changes. Fern developed a strong and compelling vision to help people discover their purpose, move forward in all areas of their life, and create a life they love.
After serving for many years as a Life Coach and licensed therapist in her private practice, she began training coaches internationally to perform this important work. Fern wrote and developed comprehensive manuals and materials for the Life Coach Certification and Spiritual Coach Training Programs.