#35: What’s the Difference Between Coaching and Therapy?

People ask me, “What's the difference between coaching and therapy?” It's a common question, and there are big differences that you should be aware of. I believe that coaching and therapy are both investments in your mental health. We invest so much in our homes and cars, but we invest so little in our well-being. I love this topic because we're really talking about self-care at its best. Be sure to grab the free PDF on questions to ask and what to look for in a coach here:

I'm answering the questions:

• What does a life coach do exactly?
• What does a life coach help you with?
• What are the benefits of coaching vs. therapy?
• Do I need a life coach or a therapist?
• What's the difference between a life coach and a therapist?
• How do I know what to look for in a life coach?

Here's some context for this episode, so you know where I'm coming from.

From a coaching perspective, I coach people, I have lots of friends who are coaches, and I've immersed myself in the coaching field whether it's through books, live events or digital courses.

From a therapeutic perspective, I've never gone to therapy, but I've read hundreds of psychological and psychiatric reports and have spoken to no fewer than a hundred people who've gone through therapy while in my position as a prosecutor in criminal cases and as the designated attorney of record in specialized civil proceedings involving the District Attorney's Office.

In my view, these are both helping professions, and I have deep respect for both coaching and therapy practitioners because they're both able to help people in different capacities.

RESOURCES

• If you're interested in hiring a coach, here's a free PDF to help you make the decision that's right for you.
• Episode #17: Why We Buffer and How to Stop

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Dina is a Master Certified Coach who helps driven lawyers stop grinding and start living. As a former criminal prosecutor, she knows what lawyers struggle with and how to overcome the stress and overwhelm so common in the legal profession. Listen to Be a Better Lawyer Podcast to learn what you need to make the change you're seeking.

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