• release my self imposed judgements and labels and stop feeeling like an imposter..
• Embrace my fears they are worthy travel companions on my success journey.
• Let go off pleasing people.
  -Where there is resistance, a yes is close by
• Love life and others and allow life to love me in return.
• I hold the keys to bring out my music and I will use them.

Therefore, like I told my mentees, let’s seize each day, make our lives count, live to our highest potential and live life to the fullest. Let’s not die with the music still inside!

DEFINING TERMS: LIFE COACH VS. THERAPIST

What is therapy? Therapy, also called counseling or psychotherapy, is a long-term process in which a client works with a healthcare professional to diagnose and resolve problematic beliefs, behaviors, relationship issues, feelings and sometimes physical responses. The idea behind therapy is to focus on past traumas and issues to change self-destructive habits, repair and improve relationships and work through painful feelings. In this sense, therapy focuses on the past and on introspection and analysis, with the hope of resolving past issues and creating a happier, more stable future. 

What is life coaching? In life coaching, a client works with a coach who is not a healthcare professional to clarify goals and identify obstacles and problematic behaviors in order to create action plans to achieve desired results. The main way that a life coach vs. therapist works is that the life coach takes the client’s current starting point as an acceptable neutral ground and is more action-based from that point onward. A life coach enables the person receiving treatment to take control of their life and take action to steer it toward their goals.

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LIFE COACHES AND THERAPISTS

Although life coaches and therapists occasionally help clients with similar problems, their work is not the same. Here are the main differences between a life coach and therapist.

DIFFERENCE ONE:

FOCUS OF THE PROGRAM

The focus of life coaching is one of the main things that distinguishes it from therapy. Life coaches identify and describe current problematic behaviors so the client can work to modify them. Therapists analyze their client’s past as a tool for understanding present behaviors. In other words, therapists focus on “why” certain behavioral patterns occur, and coaches work on “how” to work toward a goal.

Therapy will focus on your thoughts and feelings and how they are informed by your past. Life coaching may touch on these concepts as you break down your limiting beliefs and examine your blueprint, but its ultimate focus is always on the present and the future.

DIFFERENCE TWO:

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

When you look at a coaching vs. counseling practice, it’s important to recognize that counseling helps clients explore and understand their subconscious and unconscious mind. It aims to reach a deep understanding of behaviors and patterns with a goal of overall mental health. This is why counseling and therapy can be helpful for issues like depression and anxiety.

The goal of life coaching is to help you get “unstuck.” Life coaching is about action and results. Life coaches measure their client’s success with key performance indicators and specific behavioral outcomes. They’ll help you set SMART goals, provide accountability and celebrate your wins – all on the road to achieving your dreams.

DIFFERENCE THREE:

FRAMEWORK

While both life coaching and therapy use talk sessions with a trained professional. Many of the similarities in how they are organized end there. Therapy involves more unstructured sessions that are guided by the client as well as the type of therapy. Life coaching sessions are much more structured and focused on actionable strategies and visible growth.

The duration of the services also varies. Therapy tends to be a long-term commitment – many people go to therapy for years or even their entire lives. The main difference between a life coach and therapist is that a life coach sets clients up with the process and skills they need to eventually coach themselves. Life coaching isn’t meant to be forever. Life coaches also do not diagnose the people they work with, while therapists determine illnesses and pathologies so their patients can be clinically treated.

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SIMILARITIES BETWEEN A LIFE COACH VS. THERAPY

While the answer to “What is therapy?” is very different from what a life coach does, there are some similarities. Both work to enable clients to make positive changes in their lives and become more productive. While therapists diagnose and treat from a healthcare perspective, not all therapy clients are ill; many healthy people seek the services of both therapists and life coaches. Therapists may work with specific results in mind, such as the cessation of a particular problematic behavior.

Despite occasional areas of overlap, the work and processes of therapists and life coaches are distinct.

WHEN TO SEEK OUT A LIFE COACH VS. THERAPIST

Naturally, the decision to seek out a life coach vs. a therapist is a very personal one. It might help to imagine yourself getting ready to climb a mountain. You could either hire an expert sherpa and guide for your expedition or a doctor. Which will you choose? Which one will be most helpful during your specific journey?

If you are physically unwell or would be in danger if you even attempted the climb, a sherpa and guide wouldn’t do you any good. You need to be at a baseline level of good health before you can make the climb at all – if you’re not, you might need to see the doctor before trying something that challenging. However, if you’re healthy and just need someone to help you with climbing strategy, carrying the load of supplies and finding the best path, the sherpa and guide is the best bet.

Coaching vs. counseling is similar to this example. The therapist is the doctor. They get you well enough to take on major challenges in your life by exploring your mental and emotional well-being. The life coach is the sherpa and guide. They have an expert knowledge of your climb and can help you reach the summit.

A LIFE COACH OFFERS GUIDANCE BY HELPING CLIENTS:

✓ Clarify and achieve personal and professional goals

✓ Create business plans

✓ Work to improve communication skills

✓ Achieve financial independence and security

✓ Achieve a work/life balance

✓ Start a new business or growing a current business

A THERAPIST, ON THE OTHER HAND, FOCUSES THEIR CONVERSATION ON WAYS TO:

✓ Recover from past traumas

✓ Explore why past relationships (business or personal) have been destructive

✓ Work through depression or anxiety that affects the ability to function at home or work

✓ Survive a divorce or loss of a loved one

In order to get the right kind of professional expertise, it is crucial to understand how a life coach vs. therapist are different. Do you need a therapist, or do life coaching services better suit you? Whatever you choose, remember that life coaching is more than a watered-down version of therapy.

There are many treatments for depression: some are scientifically proven, while the more abstract methods are usually supported by testimonials of those who have used them.

Treatment for mental health conditions comes in all forms. When it comes to treating depression in particular, patients are typically prescribed oral medication as well as talking therapies such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in some cases, however, the treatment depends on the patient and the severity of their symptoms.

For some, the treatments prescribed by their GP are not as effective as they would like them to be, and so, they seek alternative treatment options. One such type of therapy considered by people with depression is life coaching sessions.

You can get a life coach Belfast here!

Life coaching is a type of one-to-one talk therapy in which a personal coach explores the way in which a client’s mind operates and discusses ways in which they can achieve their goals by improving their view of themselves and changing their mindset to grow into the person they wish to become.

There are several types of life coaching, as well as lots of advice on whether life coaching is a viable option for mental health patients.

Are you thinking about finding a London life coach to help with your depression? Read on to find out the pros and cons of doing so.

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a practice in which a life coach helps their patients reach their goals in life through regular discussion and by empowering them to move towards their goals with a holistic approach which takes all aspects of the patients’ lives into account.

During sessions, coaches will seek ways to empower their clients to overcome any obstacle standing in the way of their goals. Obstacles can be rooted in the psychology of the client, such as their self-confidence, or they can be related to lifestyle, such as diet, for instance.

Personal coaching (not to be confused with mentoring) is an ongoing, one on one training program in which the life coach Glasgow works together with their client to work on implementing strategies which will ultimately help the client transform their life and enjoy fulfilment as their attain their personal goals, whether it be in finding a work-life balance or fulfilling their personal strengths and exploring the possibilities of their life as a whole.

There are many reasons that people seek professional help from life coaching, and there are also various styles of life coaching to suit the varying needs of clients.

Here are just a few of the types of coaching you may come across:

• Professional coaching: Professional coaching, also known as career coaching, is aimed at those who want to work their way up the career ladder and advance professionally but need to gain confidence in themselves and their professional skills before they attempt to make the leap. There are lots of professional coaching clients who are also looking for guidance as to how to move forward and succeed in their profession. There are also lots of sub-categories of professional coaching, including leadership coaching, business coaching, executive coaching and corporate coaching.
• Relationship coaching: For those struggling in their long-term relationship or marriage, relationship coaching (which shares similarities with relationship counselling) helps couples address their problems and move on in a positive way. Couples may approach a relationship coach if they are having new issues in their relationship, whereas, if the problems are stemming from past trauma or mental health issues within the couple, counselling may be more appropriate.
• Wellness coaching: Health and wellness coaching covers a broad range of issues, so services may differ from one coach to the next. In general, wellness coaches focus on helping heir clients improve their health, whether they are looking for weight loss coaching, or simply want to eat more healthily and be more active, a wellness coach is there to advise on making lifestyle changes that will help their client enjoy an improved level of physical health in the long term.

The word ‘coaching’ evokes images of athletes being coached in any number of sports. But how is sports coaching relevant to life coaching?

The answer to this question is simple. In sports coaching, there are three types of approach: autocratic (in which the athlete is to obey the training plan laid out by the coach), democratic (in which the athlete and the trainer work together to work towards goals, and laissez-faire (the athlete makes their own decisions and the coach supervises their training). The first two of these approaches, autocratic and democratic coaching, are also present in life coaching.

When looking for a life coach Bristol, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions about each coach’s methods and coaching techniques in order to feel that you are making the right decision for your personal needs.

How Might Coaching Services Help You to Manage Depression?

So, is there a particular approach that is better suited to helping mental health patients cope with their depression? Or is it down to the personal preferences of each client?

There are many uses for life coaching when it comes to improving your self-esteem, getting your life in order and changing your outlook on life in a way that helps you overcome the obstacles standing in the way of your goals.

Depressed individuals often experience feelings of worthlessness, distress, and despair in addition to other symptoms including a lack of motivation and little enjoyment or interest in doing activities they usually enjoy.

It would make sense, then, that the benefits of life coaching may be able to counteract some of the symptoms of depression and help others to get motivated and set goals. Depression can be physically and emotionally tiring, and many of those who live with the condition fall into a constant spiral of mental exhaustion due to the impact that their illness is having on the organisation of their lifestyle.

Search for life coach near me here.

As a type of talking therapy, life coaching may be beneficial in the way that it helps individuals get to the root of their view of themselves and their lifestyles in order to address the underlying issues.

However, since depression is not to do with someone’s character, personality or level of confidence, but rather, it is a mental illness which varies greatly from person to person, mental health patients who are living with depression should at least seek medical advice from a GP or mental health professional before calling on the help of a life coach.

There are life coaches available who specialise in helping clients overcome their depression. Depression coaching can be used in conjunction with other treatments and may even have the effect of enhancing them. Nevertheless, it’s always wise to seek a professional opinion before opting for depression coaching.

Discover various life coach NYC here.

Should You Find a Life Coach if You’re Depressed?

Many people who have depression have exhausted all of the treatment options offered to them by their doctors. For some, life coaching offers a promising alternative to the traditional counselling and talk therapy sessions available on the NHS.

However, when it comes to treating mental illnesses, doctors recommend against using more than one type of talking therapy at one time, as this may complicate things and affect the success of each treatment.

It can be incredibly useful to talk to both your doctor and therapist or counsellor as well as your prospective life coach about the suitability of life coaching for you and your condition.

Start with an online life coach here. 

As medical professionals, doctors, psychologists and therapists are highly trained in the areas of depression and its treatments. In addition, they will have seen many cases of depression, some with conventional treatments, others with alternative options – so asking about the suitability of finding a life coach will not shock them.

Of course, when it comes to your experience of depression, you are the person who knows best, and if you feel that being in regular contact with a life coach will help you better manage your depression and give you a better quality of life, the decision is yours to make – even if your doctor or psychologist advises against it.

Another reason for finding a life coach may be the suspicion of depression. If you have not been formally diagnosed with depression yet you are experiencing symptoms which point to the possibility of depression, it’s best to make an appointment with your GP before thinking about life coaching.

Even though you may feel that your symptoms are mild, getting them checked out by a qualified doctor is essential to preventing them from worsening. A doctor will be able to prescribe treatments which are proven to help with depression, whereas life coaches are not qualified to diagnose or advise on the treatment of such illnesses.

So, what’s the real answer? Can life coaching help with depression?

There are many sides to the arguments for and against hiring a life coach to help with depression, but the main thing to remember is that no to cases of depression are the same, and medical advice should always be sought before starting life coaching for depression.

Find life coaches in the UK here.

What Does a Life Coach Do?

Life coaches can help you clarify your goals, identify the obstacles holding you back, and then come up with strategies for overcoming each obstacle.

By creating these strategies, life coaches target your unique skills and gifts. By helping you to make the most of your strengths, life coaches provide the support you need to achieve long-lasting change.

Who Should Consider Working With a Life Coach?

Many people seek out life coaches for guidance in navigating a significant life change, such as taking on a new career. In plenty of cases, however, people turn to life coaches simply for help in building a happier, more meaningful life.

There are a number of indications that working with a life coach could be helpful for you. These signs include:

• Frequent irritability
• High levels of stress and/or anxiety
• Inability to break bad habits
• Lack of fulfillment in your social life
• Persistent feeling of dissatisfaction at work
• Sense of blocked creativity

In recent years, life coaches have acquired a considerable presence in the mainstream. Indeed, a growing number of creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs are now teaming up with life coaches to attain success in their professional and personal lives.

Types of Life Coaches

Some life coaches take a more general, all-encompassing approach, but there are also many that specialize and focus on helping people in specific areas. Some of the different types of life coaches include:

• Addiction and sobriety coaching
• Business, executive, and leadership coaching
• Career coaching
• Dating and relationship coaching
• Diet and fitness coaching
• Divorce coaching
• Family life coaching
• Financial coaching
• Health and wellness coaching
• Life skills coaching
• Mental health coaching
• Spirituality coaching
• Sports coaching

Difference Between a Life Coach and a Therapist

Although there may be some overlap in the benefits of working with a life coach and participating in psychotherapy with a licensed therapist, these professionals have distinct roles and serve unique purposes.

Unlike life coaches, therapists and other mental health professionals focus on healing, treating mental health conditions, and helping people work through trauma and other issues from their past. While working with a life coach may help you to deal with certain unresolved issues, life coaches cannot treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, or any other mental health condition.

Therapists

• Can treat mental health conditions
• Have a degree and are licensed in a related field
• Adhere to ethical codes

Life Coaches

• Cannot treat mental health conditions
• Do not need any formal qualifications or academic training
• Are not required to follow health privacy laws

Therapists have a degree and are licensed mental health professionals. They must follow an ethical code and adhere to regulations regarding confidentiality and ongoing education.

Life coaches, on the other hand, are not governed by a board and don’t have to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and its privacy rules that help protect your personal health information. To that end, a life coach should never be considered as a substitute for a mental health professional.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem (such as feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, and mood disturbance), it’s crucial to consult a mental health professional as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health condition, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

 5 Differences Between Coaching and Psychotherapy

What a Life Coach Can Do for You

One of the main benefits of working with a life coach is the ability to gain a fresh, informed perspective on problems that you face. In addition to offering new insight into challenges, a life coach can help you to zero in on negative patterns that could be standing in the way of your success.

Many people view working with a life coach as a means of bridging the gap between your current circumstances and the life you’d like to lead. The following are some of the benefits that may result from having a life coach:

• Better work/life balance
• Elimination of long-held fears and anxieties
• Enhanced creativity
• Greater financial security
• Improved communication skills
• More satisfying work life
• Stronger relationships with friends and family

Additionally, people frequently pair up with life coaches in order to work through barriers that may interfere with finding a partner/mate. Many people also look to life coaches for help in identifying their passion and carving out their ideal career path.

Since sessions typically take place on a regular basis over a prolonged period of time, life coaches can ensure that their clients are implementing what is necessary to experience significant change.

What to Expect From a Life Coach

With many life coaches, you can expect to discuss specific goals you have for the future. A life coach often provides support that is essential for gaining momentum toward your goals. A good coach can recognize when you get stuck, and help you regain motivation.

Accountability is one of the prime advantages of working with a life coach. As a result of working with a life coach, clients often achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently than they would if working on their own.

Impact of Life Coaches

While people may report subjective benefits after seeing a life coach, there have also been studies that have shown that life coaching can be beneficial in a number of areas:

• One study found that both individual and group coaching was helpful in reducing procrastination and improving goal attainment.¹
• One review of studies found that health and wellness coaching showed promise for improving self-efficacy and self-empowerment.²
• A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that coaching-based leadership interventions could be effective for enhancing well-being and improving functioning withing organizations.³

Research suggests that life coaching can have a range of positive effects, including improvements in personal insight and improve self-reflection. It may also help improve overall mental health and quality of life.⁴

Tips

Life coaching sessions can take many different forms. For example, some life coaches meet with their clients in person, while others conduct their sessions over the phone or by Skype.

If you’re thinking of working with a life coach, keep in mind that it’s up to you to decide what you’d like to focus on in your coaching sessions. Each session should leave you feeling empowered and uplifted, so it’s critical to find a coach whose style and philosophy resonate with you.

For help in finding a qualified life coach, try consulting an organization such as the International Coach Federation (ICF).

How to Know If a Life Coach Is Qualified

Though there isn’t any official education or training for becoming a life coach, a competent life coach often has a background in psychology, mental health, wellness, or business. There are also accredited life coach training programs from which they may have a certification to practice.

Potential Pitfalls of Working With a Life Coach

Before you see a life coach, there are a few potential pitfalls that you should watch for:

• Don’t expect immediate results. Your life coach can help you make plans, address problems, and work toward achieving your goals, but it is important to remember that these things take time. If may be helpful if you set some short-term and long-term goals to work toward.
• Consider if your coach is suited to your needs. Not all life coaches take the same approach to a problem, so what you get out of the process may have a lot to do with the type of relationship you have with your coach. Look for a coach that is suited to working with your personality type and approach to solving problems.
• Don’t see a life coach to address serious mental health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, you should talk to your doctor or therapist to discuss your treatment options. Life coaches can offer advice that can improve your well-being, but that does not mean they can provide mental health treatment.

History of Life Coaching

As a formal field, coaching is relatively young, but it has roots in many older disciplines. It draws on areas that include the human potential movement of the 1960s, leadership training, adult education, personal development, and numerous areas of psychology.⁵

Life coaching formally emerged during the 1980s and grew in popularity throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Some of the earliest life coaches focused on life planning, but the field eventually grew to encompass other life areas including relationships, finances, careers, health, and overall well-being.