What Do Life Coaches Do and How Does It Differ from Therapy?
If you've ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about your next steps in life, you may have wondered, what do life coaches do, and if they could help you.
Life coaching has gained popularity as more people seek guidance to enhance their personal and professional lives.
But how does it differ from therapy?
Understanding the role of a life coach versus a therapist is key to deciding which support system is right for you. In this guide, we'll explore what do life coaches do and how they can help you create a clear path forward.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A LIFE COACH?
A life coach is someone who helps individuals set and achieve personal or professional goals. But what do life coaches do in practice?
Their role is to support clients in gaining clarity, building confidence, and overcoming obstacles that may be holding them back. Here are some common duties of a life coach:
Goal Setting: Life coaches help clients define their aspirations and create actionable plans to reach them.
Accountability: They ensure clients stay on track by offering motivation and regular check-ins.
Mindset Shifts: Coaches work on improving thought patterns, helping clients develop a more positive and empowered mindset.
Skill Development: From time management to leadership skills, life coaches provide strategies for personal and professional growth.
Work-Life Balance: Many clients seek a life coach to help them find equilibrium between career, relationships, and personal time.
Decision-Making Support: When faced with tough choices, life coaches help clients weigh their options and make informed decisions.
So, when asking what do life coaches do, the answer is that they provide a structured approach to personal development, guiding individuals toward self-improvement and goal fulfillment.
HOW IS A LIFE COACH DIFFERENT FROM A THERAPIST?
Many people wonder: What do life coaches do that therapists don't? While both professionals offer support, their approaches and objectives differ significantly. Here’s how:
Focus of Sessions: Therapy often delves into past traumas, mental health conditions, and deep emotional healing. Life coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused, helping clients set and achieve goals.
Training and Credentials: Therapists are licensed professionals with degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work. Life coaches do not need formal mental health training, though many obtain certifications in coaching techniques.
Medical Treatment vs. Personal Growth: Therapists diagnose and treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Life coaches work with mentally healthy individuals who want to enhance their lives but do not require medical intervention.
Emphasis on Action vs. Healing: Therapy often involves deep reflection, processing emotions, and healing past wounds. Coaching focuses on taking action, setting goals, and personal growth.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, a therapist is the right choice. However, if you're looking for motivation, guidance, and accountability to reach your full potential, a life coach could be the perfect fit.
WHAT DO LIFE COACHES REALLY DO?
So, beyond the basics, what do life coaches do on a deeper level?
Life coaching is not just about setting goals—it’s about transformation. Life coaches empower individuals by helping them:
Identify Limiting Beliefs: Many people hold themselves back due to self-doubt or negative thought patterns. Coaches help clients reframe these beliefs and adopt a success-oriented mindset.
Create a Vision for the Future: A life coach helps clients clarify their ideal life and develop a step-by-step plan to achieve it.
Navigate Transitions: Whether changing careers, ending a relationship, or starting a new chapter, life coaches help clients manage transitions smoothly.
Improve Relationships: Personal development extends to relationships, and life coaches provide strategies to improve communication and connection with others.
Increase Productivity: From better time management to goal-setting techniques, coaches help individuals boost efficiency and performance.
Develop Confidence: Through encouragement and mindset work, life coaches help clients gain self-assurance and resilience.
So when asking, what do life coaches do, the real answer is: they guide, inspire, and support individuals in creating the life they truly want.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A LIFE COACH?
If you’re considering hiring a life coach, you may wonder: what do life coaches do and how much do they charge?
The cost of life coaching varies widely based on experience, location, and specialization. Here’s a general breakdown of the average rates:
Hourly Sessions: A typical life coaching session costs between $75 and $250 per hour.
Package Deals: Many coaches offer packages, such as $500–$2,500 for a multi-session program.
High-Level Coaching: Experienced or specialized coaches can charge $5,000 or more for long-term coaching programs or coaching intensives, like the Life Planning Intensive at Healthy Minds NYC.
Group Coaching: Some coaches offer group programs at a lower rate, typically ranging from $50–$100 per session.
Online vs. In-Person: Virtual coaching is often more affordable than in-person sessions, with many online coaches offering flexible pricing.
While life coaching can be an investment, many clients find it highly valuable in achieving their goals and making meaningful life changes.
FINDING THE RIGHT LIFE COACH FOR YOU
Now that you know the answer to what do life coaches do, the next step is finding the right one. Here are some tips:
Identify Your Needs: Are you looking for career coaching, relationship guidance, or personal growth? Finding a coach who specializes in your area of focus is key.
Check Certifications: While life coaching is not regulated, certifications from organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) can indicate credibility.
Read Reviews: Testimonials and reviews can give insight into a coach’s effectiveness and approach.
Schedule a Consultation: Many coaches offer free introductory calls to discuss your goals and determine if they’re a good fit.
Trust Your Instincts: Coaching is a personal journey, so finding someone you feel comfortable with is essential.
FINAL THOUGHTS: SHOULD YOU HIRE A LIFE COACH?
If you’ve ever wondered, what do life coaches do, the answer is clear: they provide guidance, motivation, and accountability to help you achieve your full potential.
While they are not a replacement for therapy, they serve as powerful mentors in personal and professional growth.
If you’re ready to take action and transform your life, working with a life coach could be the best decision you make. Whether you need help with career transitions, confidence building, or simply getting unstuck, life coaching offers a structured and supportive approach to success.
At Healthy Minds NYC, we offer life coaching, therapy, and psychiatry services to support you in every area of personal growth. Get started on your life coaching journey today by grabbing a copy of Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For by our co-founder Chanel Dokun now.
