Life Coaching Vs. Mental Health Therapy

Many people ask, “What is the difference between life coaching and therapy?” The confusion is common and there are many differences. The most basic answer is that Life Coaches, or Soul Purpose Coaches like myself, focus on how your belief systems are impacting your goals and future planning, while a therapist assists in managing and healing past traumas and psychological disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. While life coaching focuses more on the future, it can be a proactive, preventative approach to managing your mental health. 

 If you are searching for a coach, I recommend that you ask where their certification was obtained and how many hours they have practiced coaching for certification. There are many people offering coaching online without proper training and certifications and these are not monitored by any type of agency or laws. For example, I am a Soul Purpose and Spiritual Life Coach, and I have 2 certifications that are accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

In contrast to coaching, therapists have licenses that have different rules and regulations in regards to the hours they have to practice, and where they can practice. Therapists can specialize in specific niches like coaches, and can be very beneficial while you are simultaneously accessing coaching services. 

Most of my clients have or continue to receive therapy from a licensed therapist to manage their mental health, in addition to working with me as their life coach. They work with their therapist to heal past traumas or focus on their relationships, and they work with me on managing stress, healing their energetic blockages, and incorporating somatic techniques like breath work into their daily lives. I use intuitive energy readings to help determine underlying energetic blockages and how they are impacting your life. I think of coaching as a preventative approach to life where anyone and everyone could benefit. Therapy on the other hand tends to be more intensive and targeted support for preexisting mental health conditions through talk therapy or other techniques such as art therapy, or EMDR.

I am a trauma informed breath work guide and coach, meaning I am trained to understand, recognize, and respond according to behaviors that are related to trauma, however the overall intention within our coaching sessions is not to focus on past trauma, rather on how to rebuild your life with healthy mindset and lifestyle. Most people have experienced some form of trauma. I have studied how this can impact our ability to think creatively and expansively which is necessary to be able to make progress in a coaching container. Since trauma and emotions have such an impact on the brain, nervous system, belief systems, and overall energy we hold in our bodies, I have incorporated breath work into The Safe Soul Purpose Journey to support you in releasing the energy of trauma and stuck emotions within your body that may be preventing you from moving forward. This process can build greater self awareness and be very supportive in being able to make progress on the intentions you have established in your coaching experiences. Our bodies and emotions carry so much wisdom. When we have the tools to tap into that wisdom, it can bring a tremendous amount of clarity around your path moving forward. 

In addition to my trainings and certifications as a coach, intuitive, and trauma-informed breath work guide, I have alot of life experiences. I have a former career as a teacher and Director, in addition to raising my two children as a working mother and married for 17 years. Most coaches use their own growth journey and life experiences to support their clients. 

While Life Coaching is not new, it is definitely not used enough!! Different coaches have different niches that they focus on. Many successful athletes, CEOs, and other famous leaders have used life coaching as part of their secret sauce to success. If you are wondering if the coaching program I offer is the right program for you, I offer a 30 minute free customization session to answer questions and design a program that fits your needs. I typically work with high performers and leaders who are struggling to share their gifts and looking to realign their energy to their unique path and purpose. I can help you reframe your beliefs so you can use your obstacles as catalysts for your soul's unique purpose. The work we do together is very motivating and exciting. You will feel more energized and clear about your path moving forward. 

Schedule a Free Customization Call if you are interested in what your customized journey could look like!