There are several differences between these; here are a few key ones.
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A therapist (typically)...
- Is a licensed mental health professional and helps clients who are struggling to function move to a state of functioning
- Is focused on the past and processing things that are impacting the client
- May take and file insurance on your behalf
- Typically operates within a container of hourly, scheduled sessionsÂ
- Is guided by established tools and practicesÂ
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A coach (typically)...
- May be certified (or not) and helps clients move forward and achieve goals that they have
- The goals may include things like processing grief and the desire to feel joy without sorrow in the future
- Does not file insurance (most likely)
- Is available outside of scheduled sessions to communicate, exchange messages, and suggest resources or ideas
- As a coach I come alongside clients to help support them, share the truth, find answers within themselves, encourage them, and help them be accountable to the results they want. Â I'm fully invested in seeing their ultimate success.
- May be guided by established tools and practices, and in addition may use divine guidance, intuition, or experience to assist the client
- For example, the reason I chose certification by the Faith-Based Coaching Academy is because it blends elements of psychology, counseling, coaching, and spirituality taught by a practicing clinical psychologist. Â
- This unique blend allows me to serve clients in a way that best resonates with and supports them instead of being limited to a particular tool or method. Â
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How to know which one you need? Â
The answer may be both! Â I believe most people need a coach or coaches in their life (I have multiple in different areas!). Â I say most people because not everyone wants to move forward, set and meet goals, or improve their life. Â If someone wants to stay exactly where they are, coaching likely wouldn't be productive for them.