COACH : an advisor who helps people make decisions, set and reach goals, or deal with problems
CONSULTANT : one who consults and gives professional advice based on years spent in the field
THERAPIST : an individual specializing in the therapeutic medical treatment of impairment, injury, disease, or disorder, a practitioner of psychotherapy
What is a life coach…
A coach focuses on action and change without digging too deep into the past. One of the biggest features is that a coach focuses on the here and now moving forward, while a therapist may help you uncover reasons to understand why you’re here. A coach is a good choice if you’re feeling stuck or burned out. As a coach, I’ll help you identify where you want to go based on your values and personality, then we’ll make a roadmap to achieve those goals.
Life coaching is not therapy. A therapist, also known as a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, is a licensed mental health professional. Therapy is a long-term process between a licensed professional and a client using clinical processes to understand, diagnose, and guide the client into understanding the reasons behind their actions: sometimes it may be trauma, or a chemical imbalance, or simply ongoing behaviors that don’t align with the clients values and goals but continued to happen due to outside circumstances.
Benefits of a coach
A coach can help identify obstacles and blockages that are preventing you from achieving who you want to become. We’ll look at where you currently are (in life and relationships) and then create a plan for you to get where you want to go. As a coach I will empower you with insights to make those changes, then provide the structure, guidance, support and motivation to reach your full potential. As a coach, I am passionate about helping you make the changes in your life to become the best your possible.
How coaching applies to dating and relationships
If you’re more focused on taking action, to go from single to a relationship, or add a spark back into a marriage, then a coach is likely a good choice for you. However, if you want to understand the reasons you’re feeling the way you do, or understand why you have hang-ups or obstacles to working toward your goals, then a therapist might be a better choice. Therapists can help partners work through disconnect, past issues, anger and pain, and act as a buffer to understanding roles and responsibilities. A coach on the other hand respects the belief that couples are already experts at their own relationship, and provides them with tools to change, adjust, and achieve the partnership they want.
Do you want a coach or a therapist?
Still unsure if coaching is right for you? Take my quiz here.
