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Writer's pictureKatie Kaspari

Life Coaching vs Therapy - Common Myths and Facts explained

Updated: Jan 3


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What exactly is a life coach? As the coaching industry has skyrocketed in the last decade, it's no wonder people have so many questions about these professionals. A life coach is someone whose sole purpose is to help clients reach their own goals. It could be anything from personal development and relationships, to career changes and financial wellness.


When we come to that inevitable crossroads in life - whether it be because of a quarter-life crisis or a big commitment - sometimes it can be difficult to know where to go next. That's where a life coach comes in. They'll provide counsel and encouragement as you work your way through any challenge - and they'll do everything possible to make sure you reach your ultimate goal.


But how do you even know if life coaching works? Well, with an estimated 71,000 coaches worldwide, according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), there's no denying its success. So why not give it a try? Find the right life coach for you and watch your dreams become reality.


Life Coaching vs Therapy

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Life coaching and therapy are both focused on improving people’s well-being, but they are not the same thing. Therapists must have a degree in clinical psychology and then undergo an intensive licensing process to become licensed therapists .


Therapists need these qualifications because they help people with mental health conditions work towards healing and recovery.


Coaches do not necessarily have the same educational or licensing prerequisites as therapists, but they can help people with their personal development.


Coaches guide individuals through areas of growth like professional development and personal improvement. Coaching can be compared to talk therapy, and even though it cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions, it can challenge and motivate you to grow instead.


Coaching is focused on helping you achieve goals, shift perceptions, and improve overall self-improvement. At Kaspari Code of LIFE, we focus exclusively on sustainable behaviour changes rooted in positive psychology.


A therapist may help you with your personal growth if they also provide life coaching services. If you want to take either approach, you should use a coach who has a background in psychology or otherwise has training in social sciences to understand the specifics of human development (especially when it comes to motivation).


That way, your coach knows how to point out your strengths and weaknesses in a productive manner. When comparing life coaching to therapy, consider noting the following criteria:

  • Life coaching is focused more on achieving goals and personal development.

  • Therapy is aimed at mental health treatment.

  • Coaches don't always have clinical degrees; sometimes they just have training from other psychologists or socio-therapy schools.

  • Coaches might offer some form of therapy like mentorship for their clients depending on where they went to school (similarly to going to college).

  • Therapy may involve prescribing drugs if a licensed doctor is present.


  • Both coaching and therapy emphasise positive traits like resilience and happiness.



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At Kaspari Code of LIFE, we think of mental health and mental fitness as two different things.


Mental health is the state of being mentally healthy. It's how we feel about ourselves and our ability to cope with the challenges of everyday life.

Mental well-being refers to an overall sense of well-being that includes emotional, psychological, social, spiritual and physical dimensions.


A mental health disorder (or simply 'mental illness') is a condition that impacts one or more of these dimensions. For example, anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that affect emotional well-being.


Depression can be a symptom of something more serious. Bipolar disorder is another condition that affects our sense of self (our executive functioning) refers to our ability to improve some, but not all aspects of mental health.

You need time to work on yourself and your life before you develop positive coping strategies that reduce stress and build resiliency. This will make you feel better on a day-to-day basis.


No one can make you happy. The most effective way to improve your well-being is by choosing to be happier. At Kaspari Code of LIFE, we focus on your DESIRE to make this choice, while we help you learn better habits, traits, and skills so that you can take control of your life and be a better version of yourself.


Our data shows that the majority of people who start coaching in a “stuck” period get better. In fact, according to research 77% will significantly improve their well-being state in three to four months with personalised support.


Using an online coach for just an hour per week keeps problems from turning into crises. A trained life coach will keep you accountable and on track with your goals. You will not only feel better at the end of the experience, but your overall life outcomes will improve too.


Types of Coaching


There are many types of coaching available and one must choose in accordance with their current needs and goals.


Here are some of the most common:

  • Individual coaching for personal growth and development.

  • Mental fitness coaching to help reduce stress and anxiety.

  • Grief coaching to assist with navigating and coping with loss.

  • Success coaching to reach your goals.

  • Communication coaching to improve relationships.

  • Health and nutrition coaching to get into shape.

  • Sleep coaching to get better rest.

  • Intuitive or spiritual coaching for greater clarity.

  • Relationship coaching to strengthen bonds.

  • Transformational coaching for a shift in mindset.

  • Business coaching to increase business success.

  • Executive coaching designed for professionals.

  • Leadership and development coaching to hone management skills.

  • Sales coaching focused on sales techniques.

  • Peak performance training to maximise productivity.

  • Team coaching for team building.

  • DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) consulting.

  • Career mentoring to advance your career.

  • Communication effectiveness advice for presenting, interpersonal. relationships, and more.


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Factors To Look For In A Life Coach

When searching for a coach, it's important to make sure they have certain qualities and characteristics that work best for you. Here are the four main areas you need to consider:

Rapport: Finding someone you click with is essential. If the chemistry isn’t there, keep searching until you find the right fit. At Kaspari Code of LIFE we offer you a complimentary "Chemistry" session for you to meet your coach and see if you have that connection.


Mastery: Coaches are experts in asking the right questions and creating meaningful change across various domains. Many coaches have a specific area of expertise that they specialize in, such as entrepreneurship, executive leadership development, or neurodiversity advocacy.


Availability: While soft skills and mastery are important, practical considerations play a vital role when working with a coach. Finding a coach who is available to meet on your schedule is critical. If possible, it's suggested that you meet with your primary coach at least once a week for optimal results.


Results: Ultimately, coaching should lead to greater purpose, clarity, and passion in both your personal and professional life. Setting goals, formulating an actionable plan to achieve them and then celebrating victories together are what you can expect from working with a coach.


One of the most significant benefits of having a dedicated coach by your side is accountability. Choose your Coach wisely and get going with your better life!


Katie Kaspari, MBA, MA Psychology, ICF.

CEO and Founder of Kaspari Life Academy.

Top-rated Author, Motivational Speaker, Mindset and Business Strategy coach.

Good Habits Design for Success and Happiness.

Shaping MINDS and building LEADERS.





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