Many people wonder, What’s the difference between a therapist and a life coach? While there is overlap in what they do (particularly if the therapist uses cognitive behavioral therapy), therapists and coaches have different backgrounds and approaches. In this post, I’ll share my take on how life coaching differs from therapy.

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The Therapy Model

Therapists have the academic training necessary to diagnose psychiatric disorders.

Therapists typically:

Begin with diagnostic interviews and tests.
Identify mental, emotional, or behavior disorders.
Develop strategies to help non-functioning individuals return to functioning.
Offer treatment to alleviate or manage symptoms.
Spend time focusing on past wounds and trauma.

Therapists must abide by state licensing board regulations and their services are often paid for by medical insurance.

The Coaching Model

Coaches do not diagnose psychological disorders.

Coaches typically:

Begin by listening to a client’s problems, goals, and desires.
See clients who are functioning yet want to improve their lives and relationships.
Teach skills and offer tools that quickly empower the client.
Specialize in solving specific problems or work with specific groups.
Focus on the present and future rather than the past.

A coach may or may not be certified. The coaching industry is not regulated and medical insurance doesn’t usually pay for coaching services.

Some people find great benefits when they have both a therapist and a life coach.

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To see how you may benefit from coaching, schedule a free consultation with me today.

Bring your most troubling problem and I will show you how to find a solution.

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See What Others Have to Say

Before coaching, I felt anxious, nervous, stressed out and full of fear every day. Now, I’m not as afraid. I feel more optimistic and excited than I have in a long time. Claudine is personable, intuitive, supportive, and patient. She was just what I needed in my life and I highly recommend her as a coach.

J.G.

Claudine has an amazing ability to see situations clearly. The insights I’ve gained from her have been invaluable—not only in the relationships I was seeking help for but also in my interactions with every person I meet. Claudine is a gifted life coach and I highly recommend her services to anyone.

L.J.

Claudine took the time to really listen to me and she understands what it’s like to go through a faith transition. She is sensitive, smart, and articulate.

K.V.

When I left the church, my world had been turned on its head. I felt that I no longer belonged with my family, friends, and community. I became fearful and felt that the extreme negativity I had been met with had permanently damaged me. Though coaching, I learned how to process my feelings and “be there” for myself. I learned how to maintain a healthy and positive relationship with my family, friends, and community. I am now experiencing the happiest and most confident time of my life!

H.E.

Before my first coaching session, I was nervous. After talking to Claudine, I felt like I could conquer the world!

J.W.

Being coached exceeded my expectations. I experienced multiple breakthroughs working with Claudine. I’m no longer afraid of conflict in my extended family relationships and I feel optimistic about the future. Anytime I experience a difficult situation, I use the framework she taught me. So empowering!

C.W.

When I signed up for coaching, I felt like my life was falling apart. I was completely miserable and didn’t see any way that it could get better. Claudine helped me see a way out. I’ve learned how to take back power over my emotions. I’m still working through the process, but I’m no longer in that dark place.

J.S.

Coaching was a wonderful experience for me. Before I started these sessions, I was struggling to handle the effects of changing my belief system and I was dealing with major anxiety. Coaching helped me start to replace my habits of avoidance and self-blame with much more healthy and productive strategies. Using the strategies Claudine taught has helped me grow more confident, patient, and peaceful inside.

T.R.

I have been to probably a dozen therapists over the years. I know there is a place for therapy, but my experience with Claudine as a life coach was more concentrated and empowering. I had to move back near my extended family and all their judgment, etc. I was in a fetal position thinking about it. But Claudine gave me the tools to do it. Before I go to a family thing, I review the tools and fortify myself. I’m more confident now, happier, and I stopped caring so much about what they think.

M.C.

Before my coaching sessions with Claudine, I was struggling knowing how it could be possible to both support my very active LDS husband and stay true to my own beliefs and integrity. Claudine’s coaching was truly transformative. I was able to not only support my husband as he received a new church calling, but also attend church intermittently without feeling as overwhelmed and angry as I had the two years before. I truly feel like the tools she taught me have lifted a burden…and helped me stride joyfully ahead to the future I want to create.

L.K.

You have nothing to lose

If you have ever wondered how a life coach could help you, don't hesitate to sign up for one free 50-minute session. I don’t use any sales techniques to get people to purchase coaching. It’s totally fine if you just want your free session.

I'd love to support you any way I can! I know how hard this journey is.