A life coach is someone committed to helping you improve your relationships, careers, and day-to-day lives. They help clients clarify goals, identify obstacles that are holding them back, and help come up with strategies for overcoming each obstacle.

Many people seek out life coaches for guidance and support during significant life changes, however, many people turn to life coaches simply for help in building happier, more meaningful lives. From breaking old patterns and developing new habits, to encouraging you to challenge limiting, false beliefs. Life coaches are committed to helping you find and become your best possible self.

Although there may be some overlapping benefits to working with a Life Coach and undergoing psychotherapy with a licensed therapist, these professionals have very distinct roles and serve unique purposes. Unlike Life Coaches, therapists and other mental health professionals are licensed to treat mental health conditions and disorders. While working with a Life Coach, they can help you work through many unresolved issues, but they cannot treat depression, anxiety disorders, addiction, or other mental health conditions.* One of the main benefits to working with a Life Coach is the ability to gain a fresh, informed perspective on problems that you face. In addition to offering new insight, a Life Coach can help you zero in on negative patterns that could be standing in the way of your success. Many people work with a Life Coach as a means of bridging the gap between their current circumstances and the life they would like to lead. Some people pair up with a Life Coach in order to work through barriers that may interfere with finding a partner. Others work with a Life Coach to help them find their passion, or purpose in life, and carving out their ideal career path. Since sessions take place on a regular basis and over a period of time, along with providing support and motivation, a Life Coach can offer an accountability to help stay on track.

*If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.