Coaching
Life coach or therapist: what is the difference?
How life coaching differs from therapy, when each one helps, and how to tell which you need.
By Clyde LangleyUpdated 4 min read
Quick answer
A therapist is a licensed professional who treats mental health and helps you work through the past. A life coach helps people who are basically well get clear on goals, build habits and move forward. If you are struggling to cope day to day, see a therapist or doctor first.
What therapy is for
Therapy deals with mental health conditions, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and patterns rooted in the past. Therapists are trained and regulated to do this work.
What life coaching is for
Life coaching is for people who are coping but want more clarity and direction. It looks forward: what you want, what is in the way and what you will do this week.
Signs coaching is a good fit
- You feel busy but stuck
- You know what you want to change but keep not changing it
- You want a structured plan and someone to check in
Signs to see a therapist or doctor first
Some people work with both. A good coach will tell you if something needs a therapist.
- You struggle to get through the day
- Low mood or anxiety that will not lift
- Past events that keep intruding on the present