Life Coaching vs Psychotherapist (and How to Find Good Life Coach)

If you've been feeling stuck or struggling with some issues in your life, you might have come across these two fancy titles - Life Coach and Psychotherapist. And let me tell you, they both seem to do pretty much the same thing - talk to you about your problems, give advice, and charge you a hefty fee for their services. But hold on a minute, there are some key differences that you should be aware of.

What's the deal with Life Coaches and Psychotherapists, you ask? Well, for starters, Life Coaches are all about helping you achieve your goals. They're like a thinking partner, your mirror, your nudge to your personal success story. They'll work with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, give you motivation and accountability, and help you stay on track to reach your dreams. On the other hand, Psychotherapists focus more on your mental health and wellbeing. They'll help you explore your past experiences and relationships, manage your emotions, and overcome psychological challenges like anxiety and depression that have their roots in the past.

Now, I know what you're thinking - how do I know which one to choose? It comes down to what is it that you are need help with. In a nutshell, the coach begins the work where the therapist stops. The therapy will help you deal with the past and get you to a good place in the present. Coaching will take you to the brighter future. A Coach worth his salt, will not try to fix the issues of chronic depression or other clinical mental health issues. Run away from a coach trying to do that without necessary medical credentials. That said, since both professionals dig into the mindspace, they would use similar tools and methodologies. A good coach would dip a little bit into the past, just to see what is it that he is dealing with, and take you from there.

Finding a Good Life Coach

First, make sure they have the proper training and certification in Life Coaching. You don't want to end up with some hack who just watched a few YouTube videos and calls themselves a coach. Look for credentials and training history to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to help you.

Second, consider their approach. Different coaches have different styles and techniques, so you want to find someone who aligns with your values and goals. For example, if you're looking to build your confidence, find a coach who specializes in that area.

Third, check their experience. You want to work with someone who has been around the block a few times and has a wealth of knowledge and skills to draw from. Life Coaches derive heavily from their own life and professional experiences. You want someone who can relate to your struggles and offer practical solutions based on their own experiences.

And lastly, be wary of self-proclaimed coaches who have no credentials or experience to back them up. You don't want to waste your time and money on someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

The Red Flags

There are some red flags that you should look out for when working with a Life Coach.

Talks a Lot. If it is the coach that does most of the talking most of the time in your sessions, he may not be a good one. A good coach is trained to be present and listen to you at a deeper level. He would listen a lot and talk very little.

Constant Advice. A good Life Coach is about uncovering your potential and making you see that. A good life coach would rarely give advice. The masterful coaches will guide you to that possibility that you have been blind to.

Forces His Ideas. When was the last time someone forced an idea down your throat - and you liked it? A good Life Coach would never do it. For he knows that route never works. Ever.

Lack of Own Ongoing Professional Development. Any Life Coach worth his salt, should always be involved in his own personal and professional development. After all, that is exactly he is preaching. Ask your life coach what professional or personal growth program he is pursuing for himself. Or does he have a coach for himself.

Poor Communication. If the communication between the two of you is not flowing well, it is not worth pursuing the coach-coachee relationship. This is not to hold against the coach per se. There is a possibility that you two aren't good together. If you find it difficult to talk and be vulnerable with your coach, simply express that to your coach. A good coach will take in that feedback positively and either try to fix the issue, or refer you to someone else.

The Needy Coach. A good coach will never be needy, a needy human will never be a good coach. That is what I feel personally. A needy coach will usually push you into high pressure sales tactics. Here's my general rule, the moment some one begins to put in undue pressure, back off, irrespective of how good the deal looks on the surface. I'll hold that rule for signing up coach as well.

So there you have it, folks. Life Coaches and Psychotherapists may seem similar on the surface, but they have distinct differences that can impact the way they approach your problems and help you find solutions. And with these tips, you'll be able to find a coach that can help you reach your full potential and live your best life.