The Difference Between Life Transitions Coaching And Counseling

By Sarah Wallace


Counseling often involves a minister, priest or professional psychologist who works with clients to assist in overcoming a number of issues related to mental health or spiritual concerns. Whereas, Life Transitions Coaching can refer to assistance in many different areas of daily life. As such, coaches working in this area are much different than counselors in that these individuals often work to help people meet a specific goal or goals.

Coaches often refer to clients as coachees, though this is usually specific to life coaching. In most cases, coaching refers to a situation in which one individual has expertise in an area in which another individual needs assistance. Whether in relation to education, sports, on the job training or a specific task or tasks, those with experience and expertise can often coach others during the learning the process.

While to some, life coaching may appear to be a new career choice, different styles of coaching have actually been in existence since the 1830s at Oxford University and when it comes to sports, even longer. The earliest use of the word coach was originally used as slang for tutor, an individual whom coached students through the exam process. Since that time, the word has become associated with helping individuals achieve success in a number of different activities.

Coaches have been part of different meanings throughout history. Whether related to on the job training, tutoring, the Human Potential Movement, est, adult education or positive thinking, all of these and other programs require coaches. In the process, coaches teach individuals different communication methods, how to compromise, complete projects and achieve success in different areas of life.

Life coaches are often considered to have a meta-profession which assist clients in political affiliations, spiritual direction, social scenes and networking, personal issues, health concerns, careers and professions. Whether working on a specific goal, or life overall, the effect, style and type of assistance needed can often depend on culture, ethnicity and a number of other factors.

One area in which a coach is beneficial is in regard to marriage and relationships. For, there are questions which each and every couple need answer before deciding to tie the knot. For example, questions related to career, children, retirement, travel and others can often save a marriage before it begins.

Other issues which can often require coaching include separation due to job or career, military spouses, divorce, especially those in which children or property are involved and personal items. In all cases, coaches need to work with clients to determine the best path forward which is beneficial to all parties. In the case of divorce, it is also important that the couple play an active role in making these decisions be there a coach involved or otherwise.

Generally, work in this area includes spiritual matters, relationships, marriage, family, career and business concerns. While this is the case, most often coaches prefer to focus on one issue at a time though most all have the ability to help in each area. Whereas, while coaches provide a great deal of insight, information and recommendations to clients, counselors often play the role of listener.




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