Many have asked me the difference between Counseling and Coaching and how to know which one is best for your situation.

 

I love how my fellow coach @natatalieclaycoaching summed it up….  She said, “Simply put, if you can’t get out of bed to go to work in the morning, you need a counselor.  If you can go to work but hate your job, you need a coach. “

 

Now of course this is a little simplistic but you get the idea.  Most therapy is diagnostic based.  As a coach, it is not my job to diagnose you or prescribe medicine.  I also do not spend a great deal of time talking about your past.  So if you feel like there is still some trauma in your life or pain that has not been resolved, a counselor may be a good place to begin. 

 

Coaching typically takes someone who is already highly functioning to the next level.  We discuss why you have the current results in your life, and how you can create results on purpose.

 

As a coach, I believe you come whole and complete, and just need an outside perspective to help you get unstuck and moving in the direction you want, as you tap into your own mind and your own wisdom.

 

LIfe Coaching is currently an unregulated industry- which is a wonderful thing for coaches to coach in the way we want, but a huge responsibility to be ethical and professional.  Like good therapists, good coaches are well trained, certified and continue to pursue education in their field.

 

The bottom line for me is there is a need for BOTH Life Coaches and Counselors and they can coexist in the field of “Wellness” beautifully.