Life Coach vs. Therapist: Which Is Right for You?

You may be wondering whether you need a therapist or a life coach. While both can offer support, encouragement and guidance, they serve different purposes.

What Does a Therapist Do?

Therapy focuses on your emotional, psychological and relational wellbeing. A therapist can help you understand what you are experiencing, where patterns may come from, and how to create meaningful change.

Therapy may be helpful when you are experiencing:

• Anxiety or depression

• Trauma or PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Emotional overwhelm

• Stress and burnout

• Difficult childhood experiences

• Major life transitions

Therapy can look at both what is happening now and how past experiences may be influencing your life today.

What Does a Life Coach Do?

Life coaching is generally more present- and future-focused. A coach helps you clarify what you want, identify obstacles and take action toward your goals.

Coaching may be helpful when you want support with:

• Career or life direction

• Confidence and motivation

• Setting and reaching goals

• Leadership

• Relationships

• Life transitions

• Creating greater balance and purpose

Coaching is about moving forward and turning your goals into action.

Therapy or Coaching?

A simple question to ask yourself is:

“Am I trying to heal something, or am I trying to build something?”

Sometimes the answer is both. You may benefit from therapy to understand and heal what has been holding you back, followed by coaching to help you create the future you want.

At Guided Path Counselling, Tammy Currie, MSW, RCSW provides counselling and therapy for individuals and couples. Jason Maxwell provides practical, goal-focused life coaching.

There is no single path to a better life. The right support is the support that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.