What is life coaching? How it differs from therapy

Reviewed by Robert Bogenberger, PhD

Written by

therapist.com team

Last updated: 01/16/2025

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What is a life coach?

A life coach is a professional who helps people achieve their goals.¹ Although life coaches are not therapists, they can still help people develop confidence, clarity, and motivation to make positive changes in their lives.

Life coach vs. therapist

One important difference between a life coach and a therapist is that a life coach can’t diagnose mental health issues, whereas a therapist is trained to identify and treat them.²

While mental health therapists must typically earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, complete clinical hours, and pass a state licensing exam, this is not the case for life coaches. Certain organizations, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), offer coaching credentials that you can earn following specific training. But as it stands now, anyone can call themselves a coach without formal training.³

The differences in approach between coaching and therapy are often misunderstood. For example, one misconception is that therapists have slower, open-ended discussions while coaches focus on moving towards goals quickly. But in reality, certain forms of therapy, like solution-oriented brief therapy (SFBT), also focus on improving issues quickly.

Similarly, goal-oriented therapy and goal-oriented coaching can both be good for managing stress, improving self-esteem, learning to be assertive, improving relationships, and developing parenting skills.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional, regardless of whether you choose to also work with a life coach. Therapists have the proper training and credentials to provide treatment and support.

What does a life coach do, exactly?

Life coaching doesn’t have an exact definition or area of practice. In general, the client is in charge of picking the topics, deciding what actions to take, and choosing the results they want.⁴ The coach will look at your whole life and focus on overall well-being rather than identifying underlying causes of problems.

Life coaches can help with all sorts of challenges and goals. Some coaches may specialize in specific areas like:⁵

• Leadership
• Career development
• Relationships
• Health
• Wellness
• Personal finance
• Parenting
• Military and law enforcement

Many life coaches guide clients through structured conversations and accountability sessions. They aim to:⁶

• Listen actively and ask powerful questions
• Help clarify values and priorities
• Aid in identifying obstacles
• Create action plans and strategies
• Provide support and encouragement
• Monitor progress and celebrate wins
• Challenge limiting beliefs
• Offer tools and resources for growth
• Teach effective goal-setting techniques
• Assist with time management skills
• Help develop better communication habits
• Guide clients through decision-making processes
• Provide objective feedback and perspectives

Coaching sessions are often held weekly or bi-weekly, and they may be in-person, over the phone, or through video calls.⁷ Most coaching relationships last between three and 12 months, though some clients may continue working with their coach for longer periods.

Benefits of life coaching

Life coaching can offer a range of benefits, including personal development, mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. Research has shown that some of the key benefits can include:

• Improved mental health. Life coaching can help people gain insight through self-reflection, leading to better mental health outcomes.⁸
• Increased self-efficacy and self-empowerment. Though more research is needed, there’s evidence that life coaching can boost confidence and personal agency in the management of illness.⁹
• Reduced stress and depression: Participants in life coaching programs have reported reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increased cognitive hardiness and hope.^10,11
• Improved academic performance. For students, life coaching can aid in managing academic transitions, improving time management, and enhancing resilience, which contributes to academic success and well-being.¹²
• Increased goal achievement. A study found that providing life coaching to college students helped them become more confident, satisfied with their major, aware of their values, connected to their purpose, and better at setting and achieving goals.¹³

Challenges with life coaching

The life coaching industry has grown rapidly and is often viewed as an alternative to therapy.¹⁴ Many coaches offer guidance for personal change through accessible and stigma-free channels, especially online. However, the lack of knowledge about the difference between coaching and therapy raises concerns about client safety and appropriate care.

One of the biggest concerns about life coaching is that it’s an unregulated industry. There are no specific requirements for education, training, licensing, or supervision of coaches. And just as importantly, there are no legal protections for clients who may be harmed by coaching.

While having more options for help may be a good thing, there’s a risk that people with mental health problems may choose life coaching instead of proven psychotherapy treatments, which could put their safety at risk. Mental health professionals, who have to meet strict standards for their education, preparation, and practice, may never get the chance to work with these clients.

More research is needed to show that life coaching is effective and safe. Steps must be taken in training, oversight, and legislation to protect patients and make the roles of coaches clear.

Deciding between a life coach vs. therapist

When choosing between a life coach and therapist, it’s important to reflect on your specific needs and goals. Both life coaches and therapists can provide valuable support, but they serve different purposes. It’s also possible to work with both a therapist and a life coach at the same time. In fact, these professions often complement each other.¹⁵

A life coach may be a good choice if:

• You’re mentally healthy but seeking direction
• You want to focus on future goals and personal growth
• You’re looking for guidance and support in real-world challenges and decisions (as opposed to emotional or psychological issues)
• You want practical strategies for achieving specific objectives
• You want help with time management or organization
• You’d like to improve specific life skills
• You need accountability and motivation
• You’re ready to take action and make changes

A therapist may be more appropriate if:

• You’re dealing with difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• You need to process past experiences or emotional wounds
• You’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression
• You’re struggling with relationship patterns or attachment issues
• You’re experiencing grief, loss, or trauma
• You want to explore deep-rooted behavioral patterns
• You’re dealing with addiction or substance abuse
• You’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you’re struggling with your mental health, help is available. Visit our directory to find a licensed mental health professional near you. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts about suicide, call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.