Which one is right for you?

People often confuse these two roles, and there's real overlap. Because I practice both licensed counseling and certified life coaching, here's a clear way to tell them apart.

Coaching

  • Focused on the agenda set by you, the client
  • Action-oriented and results-driven
  • Works in the present rather than exploring the past
  • Assumes you are resilient, strong, capable, and healthy
  • Collaborative, with minimal regulatory requirements
About life coaching

Counseling

  • Assesses for and diagnoses mental health disorders
  • Provides treatment for those conditions
  • Often eligible for insurance coverage
  • Considers emotional roots and past experiences
  • Requires a licensed clinician, HIPAA compliance, and state licensure
About counseling

What they share

  • Help you create a fulfilling life
  • Respect individual differences
  • Follow clear ethical guidelines
  • Require specialized training
  • Provided by highly trained, empathetic professionals

The best way to choose is a short, informed-consent conversation about the scope of each service and what you're hoping to change. I'm glad to help you figure that out, with no pressure either way.

Still not sure? Let's talk it through

A quick call can help clarify whether coaching or counseling is the better starting point.