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What is the difference between counselling and life coaching?
Counselling and life coaching are methods of helping a person to deal with aspects of their life; the two approaches have some similarities and some differences.
Counselling deals primarily with events that have taken place in the past, or situations in the present that are causing disharmony in the client. By creating a safe space, the counsellor, encourages the client to express their feelings so that they experience a release. It is a very purging process. Counselling is an extremely useful therapy and coaching does not, in any way, negate or conflict with this work.
Life coaching is focused on moving a client from where they are now to where they want to be, maintaining a forward momentum. It is about actively working through or away from negative situations. There will still be times when emotions need to be released, but past negative experiences are used as a learning process to change the future for the client. Limiting blocks are removed so that the client can continue on their path towards their desired goal.
The process of life coaching is very positive. By setting and achieving small goals,
the client actively turns their own life around, becoming empowered and taking control
of their life. The client grows through a cycle of goal setting, by taking action
and celebrating achievements. The process raises self-
Life coaching takes over from counselling when a client is ready to move forward and leave the past behind. As coaches, we are trained to recognise when a client may need counselling as a therapy; the client may then choose to see a counsellor, but they can return later to the coaching process, when they are ready.
I hope this helps you to make an informed decision as to whether you require counselling or life coaching at this point in your life. Please feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss this further.
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Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy