Understanding Life Coaching and Therapy - Find the Right Fit for Your Emotional Wellness

The Biggest Differences Between Life Coaching and Therapy

The biggest differences between life coaching and therapy (mental health professional to psychotherapy) are schooling and certification/licensure.

But what does that mean for you? And why am I telling you this?

As a certified life coach, I underwent a year long training program in Atlanta, GA.

However, it’s worth noting that many of my colleagues in the life coaching field have not had formal training. AND they would not be happy that I am telling you this.

This brings us to an important point: life coaching is not yet a regulated field, which means credentials are not mandated.

While I believe this will eventually change, it’s crucial for you to understand what this means when seeking support.

Why Credentials Matter

To call oneself a mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, individuals must meet stringent requirements: completing a college degree, passing state board exams, and continuing education credits.

I completed similar steps but in a different field in both : massage therapy. I mention this for contextual empathy of the steps they have to endure BEFORE they can support the public.

They are licensed to diagnose disturbances or disorders, ensuring a level of accountability and professionalism.

My Personal Journey to Professional Support

If you’re curious about why I became a life coach, my coaching style, and whether I might be the right fit for you, click here

I have personally experienced traditional therapy, group therapy and life coaching.

From the moment I graduated from LifeWorks School of Coaching, I have had a Life Coach and have continued education to help me assist my clients with a robust tool box.

What led me to mental / emotional support in the first place is explained in detail in the post above.

I can share that my preference leans toward life coaching —especially the approach in which I was trained.

This method focuses on the present while also examining past behavior patterns.

I have a high value of autonomy and personal responsibility. I truly wanted to understand how to have healthy relationships and to understand my emotions.

In true transparency, I couldn’t articulate this at the time - I functioned in a low grade overall sadness because of lingering grief and I craved something, someone to lift the veil.

Now back to you -

Do Your Due Diligence

I urge you to do your due diligence when choosing a professional (this is not limited to this profession) to guide you.

Ask questions, vet their background, ask for proof of their credentials and continually check your gut to ask if they still provide you relief, understanding and or improvement in your life.

Here is why the absence of regulation raises alarm for me :

Social Media and popularity WITHOUT checks and balances can create potentially dangerous situations depending on your circumstances, as many assumptions are made without proper qualifications.

If a particular life coach resonates with you, perhaps due to their social status or a strong referral, then you may feel comfortable proceeding.

Ultimately, as long as you feel safe and achieve the results you’re seeking, that’s what matters most.

Here are my main questions to consider:

- Will your life coach recognize when you need a referral to someone with a higher skill set?

- Do they adhere to a code of ethics that prioritizes your well being over their ego?

Again, these questions are universal for anyone you hire to assist you in your wellbeing.

Life Coaching Explained

Life coaching emphasizes self initiated motivation, actionable steps, and outcome based results.

In a coaching partnership, the focus is on action, accountability, and follow through.

Empowerment plays a significant role in coaching. It encourages clients to achieve mastery in their personal and professional lives. People often seek out coaching when they want to experience meaningful change and shorten their learning curve or pain points.

Great coaching involves collaboration, offering fresh perspectives, and holding space for clients' ultimate goals.

A Word about Mental Health Counseling

A mental health counselor may specialize in helping specific groups who face similar challenges.

For instance, someone dealing with loss and grief might seek help from a counselor who has expertise in that area. Counselors may work with children, teens, couples, or families.

The Role of the Therapist

The role of a therapist (psycho) is to address dysfunctions, diagnose issues, facilitate conflict resolution, and heal emotional pain within individuals.

Their primary focus is on helping clients resolve immediate issues affecting their lives.

Therapists often work with clients to address difficulties rooted in the past that may limit their functioning in the present.

The goal is to improve overall psychological functioning and guide clients toward healthier emotional responses, potentially shifting their worldview.

Asterisk

Even though I have chronicled the broad differences, I hope you can see that who you may require for your particular life circumstances is a nuanced answer AND a vetting (’dating’) process is necessary.

I will also add that it may shift and change depending on what is going on in your life. Also, the pace in which you are moving through why you have hired them will indicate how to proceed or not to proceed.

These descriptions are in no way exhaustive or finite - it depends heavily on each individual in their particular professional role.

Plainly stated : ‘sometimes’ a professional can be some of all of the above if their life experiences, education and skill set and curiosity molds them.

Finding the ‘Right’ Path

Whether you choose to work with a life coach or a therapist depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

Remember: it’s crucial to find someone who can provide the right support for you. Take your time exploring options and don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way.

Before booking an appointment for care, whether with a life coach or a therapist, here are several important factors to consider:

1. Clarify Your Goals

Understand what you hope to achieve by seeking help. Are you looking for personal development, guidance through a specific issue, or emotional healing? Clear goals can help you choose the right professional.

2. Research Their Background

Look into the professional's qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. For life coaches, check their training and any certifications. For therapists, verify their licenses and specializations.

3. Understand the Approach

Different professionals have various methodologies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based coaching). Ensure their approach aligns with your preferences and needs.

4. Assess Compatibility

The relationship between you and your coach or therapist is crucial for effective care. Consider scheduling an initial consultation to gauge whether you feel comfortable with them.

5. Inquire About Session Structure

Ask how sessions are structured, the frequency of appointments, and the duration of each session. Understanding this can help you plan and commit accordingly.

6. Discuss Fees and Payment Options

Be aware of the cost of sessions and what payment options are available (insurance, sliding scale fees, etc.). Clarifying this upfront can prevent misunderstandings later.

7. Know Their Policies

Understand their cancellation policy, confidentiality agreements, and any other relevant terms. This can help you navigate your professional relationship smoothly.

8. Evaluate Your Readiness

Reflect on whether you’re ready to engage in this process. Personal growth can be challenging, and being mentally prepared is essential for success.

9. Ask for Recommendations

If possible, seek referrals from friends or family who have had positive experiences. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insight into what to expect.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Pay attention to your gut feelings when meeting a potential coach or therapist. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to explore other options until you find the right fit.

Fonda shares: 'When I was a massage therapist, I noticed the common thread of physical pain that people expressed. It inspired me to pull on the 'why' of pain: No matter what walk of life, the disconnect (pain) is basically the same.

People are fearful that the love (they are seeking in all areas of their lives), they aren't worthy of it.

The fact IS unless and until you accept yourself, to remember your worthiness and love yourself in plain sight - no one else's love can full you up. This is the Wholeness journey + the cycle of pain can cease.'

Fonda Clayton Smith is the founder of Wholeness Lab, a community based platform for those who are ready to own their sovereignty and embody their Sacred Wholeness.

She helps women recognize that splitting themselves into pieces and parts of themselves is disempowering and will always have them looking outside of the self for validation.

Fonda is a Certified Life Coach, Polarity Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, published author, podcaster and Mother of Personal Freedom.

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