A life coach empowers the individuals receiving treatment to take charge of their lives and take steps to achieve their objectives. A life coach uses the client’s existing starting point as an acceptable neutral ground and then becomes more action-oriented from there.

While therapists are trained mental health professionals who are in the regulated field of healthcare and require licensure, life coaches do not have mental health training and are not equipped to diagnose or treat mental health conditions (unless a life coach was previously trained as a therapist, which is also common).

Consider therapy if you want to heal or get help with a mental health concern; try life coaching if you need help getting “unstuck” or realizing a fuller potential to reach your goals.