What Life Coaching Is Not And What A Coach Isn't
Life coaching myths debunked! Learn what life coaching is not and how it can truly transform your life.

Let’s clear the air about what life coaching is not. Life coaching has become a buzzword in recent years, but there are still a lot of misconceptions floating around.
Think of me as your friendly neighborhood life-coaching myth-buster. Let's dive in, shall we?
First off, life coaching is not therapy. If you’re expecting a life coach to dig into your past traumas and mental health issues, think again.
We leave that to the licensed therapists and mental health professionals. Our job is to help you move forward, not dwell on your past experiences.
If you need a therapy session, you’re in the wrong place. Life coaching is about achieving your life goals and finding the next step towards a brighter future.
You might also think a life coach is like a mentor. Close, but no cigar. Unlike mentors who share their own experience and give you advice, we believe you have your own answers.
We ask powerful questions to help you find those answers. Think of us as your professional question-askers with a penchant for personal growth.
And let’s get this straight: life coaching is not consulting. If you’re looking for someone to hand you a step-by-step action plan for your career transition or professional goals, that’s not our gig.
Consultants provide professional advice; we empower you to create your own solutions. We’re all about fostering your full potential, not spoon-feeding you strategies.
Life coaching is an unregulated industry, which means anyone can call themselves a life coach. But a great life coach has undergone rigorous training, often through certification programs by the International Coaching Federation or similar governing bodies. This ensures they have the necessary skills to guide you effectively.
So, if you’re ready to explore your own thoughts and make positive changes in your life, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to the world of life coaching, where we help you become the best version of yourself without the fluff and formalities.
Stay tuned as we debunk more myths and set the record straight about what life coaching truly is!

Life Coaching vs. Therapy
Ah, therapy. The go-to solution for deep-seated mental health conditions and past issues. But let’s not confuse it with life coaching.
Picture this: you’re at a family gathering, and your aunt starts asking about your life goals. You don’t need a licensed therapist for that chat - what you need is a life coach!
Life coaching and therapy are two entirely different animals. Therapy is all about diving into your past traumas and emotional wounds, often related to mental illnesses.
Therapists are the healthcare professionals who help you sift through your past issues, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
They follow strict legal requirements and are regulated by governing bodies. Therapy is your go-to for mental health treatment, not for planning your next career change or achieving a specific goal.
Now, let’s talk life coaching. Unlike therapy, life coaching is focused on the future. We certified life coaches are here to help you craft action plans for your professional life and personal development.
We’re not here to diagnose mental health conditions or delve into your past. We’re your partners in the creative process of building a successful business or finding work-life balance.
I once had a client who confused our coaching sessions for therapy.
After a few sessions, she realized that while her mental health therapist helped her understand her anxiety, I was here to help her manage time and achieve her professional potential. That’s the key difference, folks!
Life coaching is an unregulated industry. This means anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a coach. But a good life coach, like those from the Life Purpose Institute, undergoes rigorous training programs.
We’re talking life coach certification and specialized training to ensure we’re equipped to guide you toward your life’s work.
In a nutshell, if you need to process past issues or have specific mental health needs, therapy is your first step.
But if you’re looking to set and achieve future goals, make significant changes, or unlock your full potential, then life coaching is your jam. It’s all about knowing which tool to use for your specific needs.
So, next time you’re pondering whether to book a session with a life coach or a therapist, ask yourself: Am I looking to heal from past experiences, or am I ready to conquer my future?
The answer will guide you to the right professional. And remember, we life coaches are here to help you thrive, not to psychoanalyze your childhood!

Life Coaching vs. Mentoring
Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of mentoring. Many people think mentoring and life coaching are the same. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
Mentors are those wise folks who’ve been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. They share their own lives and experiences to guide you through your career changes or family issues.
They give you the playbook based on their specific experiences. They’ve got the T-shirt and the framed photo to prove it.
Life coaches, on the other hand, are like your personal cheerleaders. We don’t hand you answers on a silver platter. Instead, we help you find your own solutions.
We’re not here to tell you what worked for us. We’re here to help you discover what will work for you. Our coaching relationship is all about empowering you to achieve your goals.
For instance, let’s say you’re an executive in North America pondering a career change. A mentor might share how they navigated their career transition.
A Life Coach, though, will ask powerful questions to help you clarify your own professional potential and craft a plan that’s unique to you.
The key differences lie in approach and intent. Mentors provide specific advice from their own lives. Life coaches guide you to your own insights.
Successful life coaches know that the word “coach” is broad but holds significant differences from “mentor.”
In my coaching business
I’ve seen new coaches struggle with this distinction. They think they need to offer advice. But the role of a life coach is to facilitate self-discovery, not to be a guru.
Our goal is to develop your communication skills and help you set achievable goals through a structured coaching session. We’ve got the life coach training to back it up.
The coaching industry is filled with professionals who know the importance of not crossing into mentoring territory.
Organizations like the International Coaching Federation have specific requirements and training programs to ensure we stick to our lane. We’re here to foster your growth, not give you a blueprint from our own careers.
In short, if you’re looking for a roadmap based on someone else’s journey, get a mentor. If you’re ready to chart your own course with a bit of guidance, hire a life coach. It’s about finding a good fit for your needs and goals.
So, as you navigate your personal and professional life, remember: mentors share their stories, coaches help you create your own. Choose wisely, and let’s get you to the best version of yourself.

Life Coaching vs. Consulting
Alright, let's talk consulting. Consultants are the go-to folks when you need expert advice on specific issues. They swoop in, diagnose problems, and hand over a plan.
Sounds handy, right? But let's clear up how life coaching differs from consulting.
Consultants are like those experts who know everything about a particular area. They give you the what, why, and how.
Need a strategy to streamline your business operations? Call a consultant. Want a detailed plan to improve your time management? Yep, consultant again.
Now, let’s switch gears to life coaching. A lot of people think life coaches do the same thing. But you know what? We don’t.
As coach practitioners, our job isn’t to hand you a ready-made plan. Our goal is to help you discover your own path. We ask powerful questions to guide you to your own answers.
Imagine you’re an executive in the United States struggling with work-life balance. A consultant might analyze your schedule and prescribe a new one.
A Life Coach, though, would explore with you why balance is important and help you find your own sustainable solutions.
A good coach knows
Consulting and coaching are different animals. Consultants deal with broad terms and specific issues.
Coaches focus on your personal growth and help you set achievable goals. Our coaching experience is all about fostering self-discovery and empowerment.
Formal education and certification are crucial in both fields. Consultants often have degrees in their area of expertise.
Life coaches, especially those recognized by a governing body, undergo rigorous training. We’re talking about certification programs that hone our skills to help you unlock your full potential.
Now, let's not forget the broad term "coach." Executive coaches, relationship coaches, and life coaches might sound similar, but their approaches vary. Consultants provide the map. Coaches help you draw one.
When I started my coaching business, I often had to explain this major difference to clients. They expected step-by-step solutions.
What they got was a journey of self-discovery, facilitated by yours truly, a professional certified coach.
So, next time you need a clear-cut solution, hire a consultant. But if you’re ready to dive into your own life and find your unique path forward, a life coach is your best bet.
Make an informed decision, and let’s get you where you want to be, one insight at a time.

Life Coaching vs. Training
Let’s get one thing straight: life coaching and training are not the same. Training is about learning specific skills and knowledge.
Think of it as going to school but without the dreadful cafeteria food. Life coaching, on the other hand, is all about personal growth and achieving your goals.
Training programs, like those you’d find in online courses, focus on teaching you particular skills.
Want to learn how to code? There’s a course for that. Need to master public speaking? There’s training for that too. Training is structured and educational.
Life coaching, however, is a different beast. We don’t teach you how to do something specific. Instead, we help you figure out what you want and how to get it.
Imagine trying to achieve a signature program in your life; a life coach helps you design that program based on your dreams and aspirations.
The Major Difference
One of the major differences between the two is the approach. Training is about imparting knowledge. It’s linear and curriculum-based.
You follow steps A, B, and C to achieve D. In contrast, life coaching is dynamic and personalized. We focus on your unique needs and goals, helping you create a roadmap for your life.
For example, let’s say you want to develop better time management skills. A training course might provide strategies and tools.
But a life coach would help you understand why you struggle with time management and work with you to develop personalized solutions.
In terms of formal education, trainers often have a specific degree or certification in their field.
Life coaches, especially those with a life coach degree or certification from a recognized body, have undergone extensive training to develop their coaching skills.
So, when should you choose training over coaching? If you need to acquire specific knowledge or skills, go for training.
But if you’re looking to make significant changes in your life and need someone to guide you through the process, a life coach is your best bet.
Remember, life coaching is about empowering you to achieve your best life. We don’t just teach; we transform. And that, my friend, is the magic of coaching.

Life Coaching is Not a Quick Fix
Alright, let’s squash the myth that life coaching is a quick fix. If you’re expecting instant results, you’re in for a reality check. Life coaching isn’t a magic wand; it’s more like a slow cooker. Good things take time.
When I first started my coaching business, a client came to me expecting to transform their professional life in just two sessions.
It didn’t happen - despite shattering their perception of life in the first 20 minutes. Real, lasting change requires effort, time, and patience.
Life coaching is a journey, not a sprint. We’re here to help you set achievable goals and create action plans.
But unlike those quick-fix diet plans, there’s no overnight success in coaching. It’s about continuous improvement and personal growth.
Think of life coaching like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t expect to run 26 miles after one week of training, right?
The same applies here. A good coach helps you build endurance, strength, and resilience over time.
During my coaching sessions, I often remind clients that meaningful change takes time. Whether it’s finding a better work-life balance or making a career transition, the process involves multiple steps and adjustments.
I once had a client who wanted to improve their time management skills. They thought a couple of sessions would solve their problems.
But we worked together over several months, gradually developing habits that led to significant improvements. Patience is key, my friend.
Successful life coaches know that rushing the process is counterproductive. We focus on sustainable growth and long-term success. This means helping you understand your goals deeply and working steadily towards them.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, you might be disappointed. But if you’re ready for a transformative journey, you’re in the right place.
Life coaching is about building a foundation for lasting change, not just slapping a band-aid on your problems.
So, buckle up and embrace the process. The road to your best self might be long, but with dedication and the right guidance, you’ll get there.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the best version of you.
Life Coaching is Not For Everyone
Let’s face it: life coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It's not for everyone, and that’s okay. As I often say, “Nobody NEEDS a life coach, but everyone can BENEFIT from having one.”
Life coaching requires commitment. If you're not willing to put in the work, it's probably not a good fit. We can’t just wave a magic wand and make things happen. It’s a collaborative effort.
I once had a client who expected miracles without lifting a finger. They quickly learned that success requires effort and dedication.
We worked on setting realistic goals and creating action plans, but the real magic happened when they took responsibility for their own progress.
Successful life coaches know that not every potential client is ready for coaching. Some people aren't willing to invest the time or energy needed. And that’s perfectly fine.
Coaching is most effective when clients are committed to the process.
Life coaching is especially beneficial for those seeking personal growth, career changes, or better time management.
But if you're looking for a quick fix or aren't ready to take an active role in your development, coaching might not be for you.
Remember, life coaching is an investment in yourself. It’s about making informed decisions and taking steps towards your best life.
Whether it's improving work-life balance or navigating major life changes, coaching can help - but only if you're willing to do the work.
So, if you're ready to put in the effort and embrace the journey, life coaching can be transformative. But if you're looking for someone to do the heavy lifting for you, it might be time to reconsider.
In the end, life coaching is about unlocking your potential and guiding you to achieve your goals. It’s a journey worth taking, but only if you’re ready to commit. After all, nobody needs a life coach, but everyone can benefit from having one.
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Something To Think About
So, there you have it - life coaching is not therapy, mentoring, consulting, or training. It's a unique journey focused on your future.
Remember, life coaching isn’t a quick fix. It’s a commitment to long-term personal growth and transformation.
Ask yourself: Are you ready to invest in yourself? Are you prepared to put in the work?
If you’re seeking meaningful change and willing to take an active role in your development, life coaching might be for you.
Reflect on what you truly want to achieve. Consider how a life coach can help you unlock your full potential.
Ultimately, life coaching is about empowering you to become the best version of yourself.
Ready to take that next step? Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. The best version of you is waiting.
This post was all about what life coaching is not.