When life feels overwhelming or unfulfilled, deciding whether to work with a therapist or a life coach can feel confusing. Both can support you profoundly, but their approaches, training, and focus differ. Understanding these distinctions and the areas where they overlap is essential for choosing the best option for your unique needs.

There are several considerations when comparing the two roles which are outlined in the table below:

Therapist vs Life Coach: The conventional roles

Skills & where they cross over

While their focus differs, therapists and life coaches share several essential skills:

• Deep Listening
• Empathy and Building Trust
• Goal setting (Therapists may incorporate this for mental health recovery)
• Behavioural Change Techniques
• Emotional Awareness and Regulation Support
• Use of Evidence-Based Tools (e.g., Hypnotherapy, EMDR, CBT – some life coaches also offer these)

Life coaches with trauma-informed training, like myself, often combine traditional coaching with therapeutic techniques, providing powerful, sustainable change – especially for women balancing complex roles.

When to see a Therapist

You may benefit most from a therapist if you’re experiencing:

• Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
• Untreated Trauma
• Grief or Bereavement
• Personality Disorders
• Relationship issues rooted in childhood experiences
• Complex mental health conditions requiring clinical diagnosis

NHS Options: In the UK, therapy is accessible through your GP, NHS talking therapy services, or community mental health teams. However, waiting lists can be lengthy. Many opt for private therapy for faster access and specialist care.

When to see a Life Coach

Life coaching may be ideal if you:

• Feel stuck, unfulfilled, or lacking direction
• Want to build confidence or overcome self-doubt
• Struggle with Imposter Syndrome
• Need accountability to achieve personal or professional goals
• Desire to transition careers, improve work-life balance, or reconnect with your purpose
• Have already done therapeutic work and now want to focus on growth

Life coaching is a private investment, and research shows high satisfaction and lasting impact.

Real-Life impact: Case examples

Mariah’s Story (Social Anxiety)
Mariah, a former senior leader and mother, struggled with debilitating social anxiety rooted in childhood trauma. Her healing required a combination of coaching and therapy, with space to process her past and rebuild self-worth.

Emma’s Story (Life Coaching Success)
Emma, a marketing executive, lacked confidence and clarity. Through 1-on-1 coaching, she transformed her mindset, negotiated a promotion, and achieved personal growth.

Why professional membership & experience matter

Whether you choose a therapist or a life coach, always check they:

1. Belong to a respected professional body (ACCPH, BACP, UKCP, ICF, EMCC etc.)
2. Have experience relevant to your specific issues (e.g., trauma-informed, workplace stress, confidence building)
3. Offer client testimonials or case studies demonstrating results

This ensures you work with someone who follows a code of conduct, ethics, competence, and aligned to your needs.

Final thoughts

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer. Your decision depends on where you are on your journey, what you want to achieve, and the support you need. In many cases, the most effective approach combines both: healing old wounds with therapy and stepping boldly into your future with coaching.

That’s where I come in – with many years of experience of combining both coaching and therapy. Supporting my clients with effective process and frameworks whilst working on healing the root causes. A combined approach to embody the changes and outcomes they most desire.

Hi! I’m Roksana. I’m a life coach for women in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I run face to face and online sessions via Zoom. I also specialise in trauma healing. I’m always happy to answer your questions around any of my methods or approaches. Long term changes begin with a guide who has walked a similar path, has a blueprint, will give you support and accountability every step of the way. If you’re interested to know more then please book a FREE call with me.