Paige Martin, MA, LPC- Associate
Supervised by Casey Christian, MA, LPC-S
LIFE COACHING
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Many clients want to know the difference between a life coach and a counselor and how to choose which professional to work with. There are similarities to coaching and counseling with skills utilized, but the focus is different depending on the services the client needs.
If you are unsure which type of professional would be most helpful, consider the roles each can play in a client's life.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE COACHING AND COUNSELING?
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Life coaching relationships are less structured and the coach and client work as a team, focusing on the personal and professional goals of the client. Counseling goals are shaped by mental health symptoms that are causing distress in a client's life.
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Coaching is more focused on the present while counseling is often focused on the past.
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Counseling focuses on moving clients from a state of dysfunction to one of being functional while coaching involves clients who are functional yet maybe not highly functional or achieving their full potential.
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Coaching has a narrower focus than counseling. Counseling can involve complex issues such as help with navigating emotions, interpersonal relationships, and healing from past hurt or trauma.
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Coaching is not considered a mental health service and is not covered by insurance. All coaching is self-pay. Depending on your health insurance, mental health counseling services may be covered by insurance.