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Life coaching vs counselling: which one is best for you right now?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between life coaching vs counselling? They might seem similar, but there are some important distinctions between these two types of talk therapy.

Life coaching vs counselling

Life coaching and counselling are two common forms of support for personal growth and wellbeing, but they have different focuses and approaches. While both can be helpful, it's important to understand the differences between them so you can choose the best option for your needs.

Faith Hill online life coach NLP practitioner

Life coaching is all about helping people achieve their goals, whether that's in their personal or professional lives. A life coach works with clients to identify what they want to achieve, and then helps them come up with a plan to get there. The focus is on the present and the future, so it's all about setting specific objectives and working on ways to overcome any barriers to success.


Think of it as a way to get some extra support and guidance as you work towards your dreams.


Life coaches and NLP practitioners also use techniques to help you get out of your own way. For example, they can help you change the way you think and behave and can change your limiting beliefs.


More often than not, you can experience fast results from working with a life coach.


Counselling, on the other hand, is focused more on mental health. If you're struggling with serious anxiety, depression, grief or any other emotional issue, a counsellor can help you work through it. The focus here is often on the past, as counsellors aim to help clients understand and manage their emotions by working through any underlying issues from their past. Think of it as a way to take care of your emotional health and work through any challenges that are holding you back.


Due to its nature and the deep effects of mental health, counselling can take some time to make a difference.


So, the key difference between life coaching vs counselling is the focus of the work. Life coaching is all about helping you achieve your goals, while counselling is focused on emotional and psychological wellbeing.


Of course, there's some overlap between the two, and different practitioners might have different approaches.

But in general, if you're looking for help achieving a specific goal or making a specific change, life coaching might be the way to go. If you're struggling with emotional issues, counselling might be the best choice.


If you're considering working with a life coach, you may wonder how to choose a life coach that's right for you. An important factor is to find a life coach who you feel comfortable working with. A good life coach will be someone who you can trust and who you feel understands your goals and challenges. Look for someone who has experience working with clients in your specific area of interest, whether that's career development, personal growth or relationships.


I offer a free 30-minute Discovery Call in the first instance so we can get to know each other and you can decide if I am the right coach for you. Book now.


One of the benefits of working with a life coach is the convenience of online coaching options. With the rise of technology, many life coaches now offer online coaching sessions, which can be done from the comfort of your own home. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or if you live in a remote area.


So, what can you expect from a life coaching session?

Life coaching vs counselling

In general, you'll work with your coach to identify your goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

You'll have regular sessions, where you'll discuss your progress and work through any challenges that come up.

Your coach will provide you with support, guidance and accountability as you work towards your goals.


Working with a life coach can have many benefits for your mental wellness and personal development. Here are twelve reasons why a life coach is good to work with:

  1. A life coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to build on them.

  2. You'll have someone to hold you accountable and keep you on track towards your goals.

  3. A life coach can help you overcome any limiting beliefs or negative self-talk that may be holding you back.

  4. You'll learn valuable tools and techniques for managing stress, time and other challenges.

  5. Working with a life coach can help you improve your confidence and self-esteem.

  6. You'll have someone to celebrate your successes with and help you stay motivated.

  7. A life coach can help you identify and overcome any fears or obstacles that may be preventing you from achieving your goals.

  8. You'll learn how to effectively communicate and build stronger relationships with others.

  9. A life coach can help you improve your work-life balance and prioritise self-care.

  10. You'll have someone to provide constructive feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.

  11. Working with a life coach can help you increase your overall happiness and satisfaction with life.

  12. A life coach can help you develop a sense of purpose and meaning in your life, and guide you towards fulfilling your potential.

Investing in yourself is one of the best things you can do, and a life coach can be an invaluable partner on that journey. Whether you're looking to achieve a specific goal, make a life change, overcome a challenge or simply live a more fulfilling life, a life coach can help you get there. So take the first step and start exploring your options today!

Free life coaching call

Working with a life coach and using NLP therapy will help you align with your life values and get unstuck in life. I am a certified Life Coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming or NLP Practitioner. Book a free 30-minute Discovery Call to discuss how life coaching and NLP techniques can help you. I am an online life coach.


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How to Set Goals (free PDF worksheet)

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