Counseling Vs. Life Coaching

Counseling clients see the therapist as an expert for some answers and techniques to fix their problems. The counselor usually focuses on the past, some pain or dysfunction and generally assumes the client has a problem that needs solving. Even with a solution-focused counseling approach, clients who seek counseling desire to get help in fixing their problems and receive emotional/spiritual healing as a result of their relationship with a competent counselor. Christian counseling guides clients into a deeper walk with Christ and provides answers to life’s problems based on the truth of God’s Word. Empowered by God’s Spirit, the client embraces faith and hope to repair the damaged emotions and heal the pain. With tender care and guidance, along with homework, the client works through the issues to renewed hope and courage to live.

Coaching clients see the life coach as an active partner to support their growth and efforts in creating an even better life than they now have. A good coach recognizes that their clients already have the knowledge and the solutions; the coach simply assists them in unlocking their capabilities. Coaching clients often know where they want to go, but need a coach to help them clarify their goals and see their way more clearly. Life coaches guide their clients to grow through transitions, focus on life satisfaction, build on their God-given design, be empowered with the right values/vision and advise them in seeing their plan through to completion.