A life coach can support you in finding and staying on your path. I can help you stay motivated and on-task, helping you move toward your long term far-reaching goals.
Coaches (including therapists who practice coaching) will absolutely be interested in what some of their clients’ “source material” is, and will want to know what life experiences have brought you to where you are. That said, the goal in coaching is not to necessarily go back and address it, or to heal it, or to change it. Instead, it’s just referenced.
Coaching empowers you to achieve your goals.
Coaching focuses on the future.
Coaching has a clear structure to facilitate progress.
Coaching is often short term and tailor to the client's timeline. Coaching can also become long term for those who enjoy the benefits of a coach.
Seek a life coach who has qualified credentials, and whose philosophy inspires you.
Life coaching teaches you how to achieve big dreams and/or break free if you feel stuck.
Counseling
Counseling is rooted in the past or present.
Success in therapy is measured by things like improved mood, lower anxiety levels, healthier eating habits, and a greater sense of happiness.
In therapy, you’re deeply examining through thoughtful questions and developing resolutions, so that so that you feel free to move forward.
Technically speaking, "counselor" means "advisor." It involves two people working together to solve a problem. In this vein, the counselor offers guidance and support as the individual figures out ways to better manage life and adjust to change or adversity.
Counseling is recommended for specific issues and situations, such as transitions, relationships, grief and loss, addiction, and stress.
Look for a therapist you feel comfortable opening up to, and who has direct expertise with your presenting problems. You may consult with several therapists before finding someone you connect with.
Counseling takes place over weeks to several months, but is not necessarily time-limited.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is rooted in the past or present.
In psychotherapy, you will address mental and emotional health challenges that are chronic or recurrent problems.
In psychotherapy sessions, you’re often returning to the emotional experiences, the patterns, the trauma, the learning, and the beliefs that you had in the past – and connecting the dots to understand how they have now brought you to this time with challenges.
Psychotherapy focuses on the person's thought processes, and how these may be influenced by past events such that they cause problems in the present.
The format of therapy depends on the therapeutic modality.
You’ll want to prioritize someone who has experience (or even specializes in) the presenting issue you’re seeking help with.
Psychotherapy is generally a longer-term treatment that focuses more on gaining insight into and managing chronic physical and emotional problems.
You want to see a.....If.....
Coach (CLC, CSLC)
You want to get ‘unstuck’ and set goals you will actually achieve.
You want to accelerate to the next step in your career .
You feel like your life is on autopilot, and want to challenge yourself or break out of your comfort zone.
You want to stop unhelpful habits and replace them with healthy alternatives.
You know that your inner critic keeps you from living your best life and you want to learn how to quiet that voice.
You desire a life with purpose and meaning but do not know where to start.
You feel confused about the next chapter in your life (i.e. struggling with career decisions, major life choices) and would like guidance on what would best serve you.
You know that you have a lot to feel grateful for but something is missing and you need that extra inspiration to piece your puzzle together.
You want to un-tap your inner motivation for a major goal, such as running a marathon
You want to hold yourself more accountable, whether in your personal or professional life
Counselor (LMHC, LMFT, LSW, PSYD)
You have specific issues or short term problems you wish to address.
You wish to learn coping skills to help better manage stress and improve relationships.
You are coping with life transitions and adjustments, such as divorce or grief.
You are coping with addiction issues.
You are looking for someone who is essentially a "coach" who can guide and support you as you learn to recognize problems and formulate healthy solutions yourself.