Coaching vs. Therapy

There is a difference between a life coach and a therapist. In my experience, I've worked with both and can share what to expect. I think it is helpful for people to understand the differences. In this post, I share my unique experience.

I had seen therapists in the past, my parent’s divorce, when I moved to California, the months leading up to a career pivot, and right before getting married. If you notice a theme here, yes, I do have challenges with transitions. Since having a child is a huge transition, I was surprised the postpartum depression didn’t begin at the typical onset for me. However, months into postpartum, I was losing more and more of myself.

When I decided that it was time for me to see a therapist, I could not find joy, pleasure, or motivation to do necessary activities in my life. There was a darkness, heaviness that followed me and did not let up.

I was quick to cry and not able to handle day to day issues. In therapy, I worked my therapist to heal from past issues. I started to see a therapist because I was experiencing postpartum depression. As I worked with my therapist, it became clear there were unresolved issues from my past that were at play during this time of my life. I worked with her to heal old wounds and beliefs I had about myself that were not serving me. A therapist is equipped to handle multiple mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, etc. When working with a therapist, one is analyzing their past issues and how they may be influencing someone’s present thoughts, feelings, and actions.

In coaching, you are working from the present and creating more awareness to cultivate the mindset needed to reach your goals. A coach can help you identify your needs, values, and bring your inner thoughts and desires to align with your external world. For example, I worked with a coach to help launch this website and my online coaching business.

During my time working with the coach, we focused on creating an action plan, structuring my thoughts, and committing to a time frame. She provided me with an external level of accountability that mirrored my intrinsic motivation.

At times when I was stuck, she would ask questions to help me identify creative solutions to my problems. This coaching, in turn, boosted my confidence to keep taking steps towards my goals when self-doubt or fear would creep in. Coaching is not someone giving you advice but empowering you to understand your resources to develop your future choices and actions. In becoming a coach myself, I’m committed to continuing investing in myself for coaching. I find it to enhance my everyday wellbeing and help me manage my overall emotions and thoughts. I can be responsive vs. reactive to my external world (most days).