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The difference between a therapist and a life coach

Writer's picture: LauraBeth RyanLauraBeth Ryan

There are all sorts of options available for those individuals who are seeking assistance with all of the ups and downs that life has to offer. While psychotherapy has been the top choice among many, life coaches have become an amazing alternative for the past two decades.

Both of these types of professionals are qualified to help someone who seeks to make a change in their life. If you’re someone who deals with various types of mental health issues, your best bet would be to visit a therapist who will be able to address your specific issue. As for life coaches, one of the big reasons that this option is so popular is because it’s so insulated from the stigma related to actually needing to visit a therapist.

Here are three of the differences between the two professions:

Standards of Regulation

In terms of therapists, these professionals are licensed by the state in which they operate. They are also required to have a specific amount of training, education, and even continuing education, especially if they seek to use the title of psychotherapist. Life coaches, however, require no state board certification whatsoever, and anyone who wishes to be a life coach can essentially do so due to the industry itself being unregulated.

Expected Outcomes and Goals

Someone will generally choose to see a therapist if they want to function much better due to suffering from some sort of a mental issue. By going through therapy, the individual will be able to increase their insight, as well as identify various root issues. When it comes to life coaches, they typically focus on the future rather than the past. They also help people to identify all of their goals, as well as any and all obstacles they are facing.

Coverage and Fees

For therapists, these professionals charge a specific fee per session. This is the opposite of life coaches, who generally offer all of their services as part of a package or program that can last anywhere from six weeks to six months, sometimes longer. This means that in terms of cost, you could find yourself paying more upfront for a life coach rather than essentially paying as you go with a therapist. Additionally, therapy is oftentimes covered by insurance.

Thank you for visiting Cheerful Hearts blog. If you are looking for an online life coach to get out of your rut, Laura Beth can help. Give her a call for a free consultation at 512-591-4101.

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