Coaching vs Therapy

Discover the key differences between life coaching and therapy, so you can make an informed decision that best supports your growth.

Feeling Unhappy Isn't Always About Anxiety or Depression
Unhappiness doesn’t always mean something is clinically wrong—it can simply be the feeling of being disconnected from where you truly want to be in life. Perhaps you sense there’s more to life, a deeper potential within you, but you're not quite fulfilling it. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and a sense that you're not living up to your full potential.

A Brief History
Traditionally, life coaching was seen as a tool for high-performers looking to boost their success, while therapy was viewed as the solution for individuals dealing with mental health struggles. Over time, both fields have evolved, and today, there's more overlap. Many therapists integrate life coaching techniques alongside traditional therapy, offering a more holistic and accessible approach to personal growth.

When to Choose Coaching Over Therapy
Coaching is about action and change. It focuses on building self-awareness, helping you make empowered decisions, and bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

In contrast, therapy is primarily repair-focused, working to address past challenges and emotional healing. While therapy aims to heal and improve mental health, coaching focuses on personal growth, helping you unlock your full potential in a solution-focused and future-oriented way.

Understanding the Limitations of Therapy
Both therapy and coaching have their unique benefits and limitations. For example, a therapist might not guide you through business strategy or support you in finding meaningful work, whereas a coach will focus on these forward-looking, actionable areas. Therapy often follows strict legal and ethical regulations, while coaching offers more flexibility and autonomy in the approach, which can be an advantage or a challenge depending on your needs.