5 Reasons Why People Choose Life Coaching Over Therapy
I know. It probably seems obvious that we would suggest life coaching over therapy since we offer coaching services, but no. The truth is that it's a very personal choice based on your needs and your personality.
Life Coaching vs. Therapy
The key difference between the two is the approach. Coaching often focuses more on present-day actions to improve your life and modify your behavior. Yes, knowing the root of the behavior is important, but it's not a forensic investigation of your past.
A life coach helps you achieve your goals by providing guidance and support. They help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and develop strategies for meeting those goals.
In contrast, therapy focuses on helping clients overcome emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. Therapists often use techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients learn new behaviors and cope with difficult situations.
Who you choose will be determined by what you need to work on. If you're dealing with trauma or experiencing a diagnosable condition(s) you may need mental health services. A licensed professional can help you determine how to proceed if you're in crisis or have symptoms of any of the conditions linked.
Here are some reasons why coaching may be right for you.
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You've Been To Therapy Before
I've worked with clients who were in therapy for many years but still felt stuck. That's not to say there was anything wrong with their provider, but they got to a point they needed something more.
Coaching sessions can be a great way to supplement therapy by combining the emotional with the tactical. A coach can help you figure out how to apply what you've learned in therapy.
2. You Need Help Getting Started
A good life coach will ask questions that help them understand what you want out of life and why you feel stuck.
They'll help you identify your strengths and weaknesses to help you build skills and habits that will improve your quality of life.
Coaching goes beyond the conversation and focuses on the actions clients can take to start seeing changes as soon as possible.
3. You Want To Change The Way You Think
While therapy is often used as the first line of defense against mental health issues, life coaching is an effective alternative when people need help changing how they think about themselves and their lives.
Life coaches can help you identify patterns in your thinking, habits, and relationships that are getting in the way of the transformation you want to make.
You can go from feeling like something is wrong with you, to understanding the faulty thinking that leads to your decisions.
““Actions lead to progress. Progress leads to empowerment. Empowerment leads to changing the way you think. Changing the way you think leads to lasting results.” ”
4. You Need An Accountability Partner
Being self-aware doesn't mean you know how to change anything. Coaches are accountability partners that help you set and monitor your goals and have the strategies you need to get things done.
There are several reasons gyms like OrangeTheory are effective:
You get personalized attention from a coach
Your progress is tracked and recorded
Your stats are visible as you're working out
Having a life coach is very similar in that you have someone to keep you motivated, focused, and who can redirect you when you get off-track without judgment.
Perhaps the most important distinction between therapy and coaching is that a coach and a client create a partnership in their work, where the therapist functions as the expert.
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5. You Want To Be More Productive
There are several ways to become more productive. One of them is to work smarter, not harder. That means focusing on what matters most, rather than trying to do everything at once. It also means being intentional about how you spend your time.
A coach will assess the emotional and logistical details getting in your way. They'll help you set goals and teach you how to create action plans to streamline your life and get more done.
This is especially helpful to clients dealing with work stress, imposter syndrome, running a business, or creating a work-life balance.
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So, How Do You Choose Between a Life Coach vs. Therapist?
There's no doubt that life coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the National Association of Professional Coaches, there were more than 1 million coaches in the U.S. alone in 2016. And according to the American Psychological Association, the number of Americans who seek counseling services each year has increased by nearly 50 percent since 2001.
Consider Their Credentials
There is no specific certification or license required to be a life coach. However, many coaches have an education and body of work similar to that of therapists.
Look for a life coach with a master's or doctoral-level degree in behavioral sciences to feel more assured that they can meet your needs.
Consider Their Message
Also, consider their professional and life experience. Some motivational speakers can change your life just by sharing their personal stories.
Find someone who inspires you to be the best version of yourself. A coach becomes your partner and assures you that you are never alone in your struggle. They get you excited for change and empower you to take on the challenges ahead.
Whether you need therapy, coaching, or both–there's no right or wrong answer. Whatever your reason for seeking out help, it's important to consider all of your options and work with someone that helps spark change within you.
