With all the buzz going around about coaching, many folks are still a bit confused on what exactly the differences may be between a ‘life coach’ and a ‘therapist’. It’s a good question, so I’ll try to clear it up a bit now.

Life coaching and therapy are similar in that they both revolve around similar processes. They both require complete confidentiality, as well as support and trust between the two parties. They also both require the coach to be non-judgmental as well as exhibit superior listening skills.

It’s often said that a life coach is for planning your future and a therapist is for dealing with your past. This is fairly accurate as an assessment. A life coach will not be the one to help you resolve past issues or skeletons in the closet. They usually work with you to help you devise a plan of action for setting and meeting goals within your life.