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🧭 Life Coach vs. Therapist: What’s the Difference?

Life Coaches and Therapists both support personal growth, but they serve different roles, use different methods, and operate under different legal and ethical frameworks.

✅ Life Coach

  • Focus: Future-oriented. Helps clients set goals, build confidence, improve relationships, and navigate transitions.

  • Approach: Collaborative, action-based, and motivational. Coaches guide clients toward clarity, self-leadership, and personal empowerment.

  • Scope: Does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy or medical care.

  • Credentials: Coaching is an unregulated field. Many coaches pursue certifications, but licensure is not required.

🛡️ Therapist (Licensed Mental Health Professional)

  • Focus: Past and present. Addresses emotional distress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

  • Approach: Clinical and evidence-based. Therapists use modalities like CBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic therapy.

  • Scope: Legally permitted to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Bound by state licensure and HIPAA regulations.

  • Credentials: Must hold a graduate degree, complete supervised clinical hours, and pass licensing exams.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

Life coaching is not therapy, counseling, or medical treatment. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, trauma, or symptoms of a mental health condition, please consult a licensed therapist or healthcare provider. Life coaches do not diagnose, treat, or manage mental illness.

🚨 Emergency & Suicide Prevention

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical)

​         📞 Dial 911  

         For life-threatening emergencies or immediate danger.

         Available 24/7.

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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

          Dial 988 (24/7)

          www.988lifeline.org

         For anyone in emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crisis.

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Crisis Text Line

        Text HELLO to 741741 (24/7)

          www.crisistextline.org  

         Free, confidential support via text with trained crisis counselors.

💬 Specialized Support Lines

National Domestic Violence Hotline

       1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

www.thehotline.org  

Support for those experiencing abuse or seeking safety.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

www.rainn.org  

Support for survivors of sexual violence.

Veterans Crisis Line

Dial 988, then press 1

www.veteranscrisisline.net  

Support for U.S. military veterans and their families.

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