Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is essential that people who work with mental health have the appropriate training to provide effective support. People who claim to work in mental health but have no formal training can cause significant harm to those seeking help, as they lack the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care.

While coaching can be beneficial for personal development and achieving goals, research suggests that it may not be the best approach for addressing mental health issues. 

There are several reasons why this so important in understanding the two services.

There are many differences between therapy and life coaching, including qualifications, scope of practice, confidentiality, ethical standards, and focus on mental health. Therapists typically have more extensive and specialized training in mental health compared to life coaches, who may not have formal education in mental health or psychology. This means that life coaches may not have the knowledge or expertise necessary to provide effective treatment for mental health conditions. In contrast, therapists are bound by ethical guidelines and have a duty to provide competent and effective treatment.

The education and licensing requirements for therapists and life coaches are different.

To become a licensed therapist, a person typically needs to have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. They must also complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours, pass a licensing exam, and maintain ongoing professional development to keep their license current. In contrast, there are no specific education or licensing requirements to become a life coach. Anyone can call themselves a life coach, regardless of their education or experience. It’s important to note that while life coaches do not have formal education or licensing requirements, there are professional organizations that provide certification or credentialing for life coaches.

Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, while life coaches typically do not have this expertise. A therapist can offer specific treatment strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or other evidence-based therapies, tailored to a person’s needs. Additionally, therapists are trained to work with people who have complex mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, which require specialized training that life coaches may not have.

Therapists use evidence-based techniques to help clients manage mental health issues, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or interpersonal therapy. In contrast, life coaches may not be trained in these techniques and may rely on methods such as positive thinking or affirmations, which have not been shown to be effective in treating mental health conditions. Furthermore, therapists are held accountable for their practice and can be disciplined for unethical behavior, while life coaches do not have the same level of accountability.

While therapy is regulated by law and has a defined scope of practice that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, life coaching is not regulated and has a broader focus that can include areas such as personal development and achieving goals. Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality rules, which means that what is discussed in therapy sessions remains private. Life coaches may not be bound by such rules, and clients may not have the same level of confidentiality.

Overall, while life coaching may be helpful for personal development and achieving specific goals, therapy is the appropriate option for those who are struggling with mental health issues. 

Some studies have suggested that seeking help from unlicensed professionals, including life coaches, may pose risks to individuals with mental illness. One study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that individuals who sought help from unlicensed therapists were more likely to report negative experiences, including feeling worse after treatment, experiencing coercion or manipulation, and experiencing harm to their social relationships.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals who received coaching services from unlicensed professionals reported higher levels of dissatisfaction with their treatment than those who received services from licensed professionals. The study also found that individuals who received coaching services from unlicensed professionals were more likely to report feeling coerced into treatment and experiencing negative effects on their mental health.

It’s important to note that not all life coaches may pose risks to individuals with mental illness, and many life coaches may be well-trained and able to provide effective support for personal growth and development. However, it’s important for individuals with mental illness to seek out licensed mental health professionals, such as therapists, who have the education and training necessary to provide evidence-based treatment and support.

While life coaching can be helpful for personal development, it may not be the best approach for addressing mental health issues. It’s important to seek out qualified and licensed mental health professionals, such as therapists, who have the knowledge, training, and expertise necessary to provide effective treatment for mental health conditions. People who claim to work with mental health but have no formal training can cause significant harm, and it is essential to be aware of their limitations and seek qualified help.

If you are unsure whether a professional is a therapist or a life coach, you can ask about their qualifications, training, and approach to treatment. You can also look for information about their credentials and any professional organizations they belong to. Ultimately, it’s important to find a provider who has the appropriate qualifications and experience to meet your specific needs.