The primary difference between a life coach and a therapist is that coaches typically focus on a present problem or specific situation that you as a client would like to resolve moving forward. We stay present-focused, versus discussing past situations in your life. As an MSW (Master of Social Work), I am, however, completely empathetic to the knowledge that our past often impacts our present life. We can sometimes be unaware of how our present actions/thought patterns/behaviors are a direct or indirect result of how we were raised or relationships and situations from our past.
Ultimately, life coaches provide some emotional support, practice empathy, and help you to recognize these patterns. The key difference is it is a life coaches’ role to return clients to their present situation and the goals they have set for themselves for their future. Therefore, my role is to empower my clients to solve their problems with myself as a guide. I work from a strengths perspective and will be solution-oriented.