Is Coaching Like Therapy?

Coaching is not Therapy, Counselling, Consultancy or Mentoring. So what is it?

Let’s be honest—navigating the world of personal development can feel like trying to read a menu in another language. Therapy, counselling, mentoring, coaching, consultancy… they all sound kind of similar, right? But each plays a different role. And if you’re wondering whether a life coach might be the right fit for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s unpack this—without the jargon.

🌿 Therapy: Healing the Past

Therapy is all about exploring and healing emotional wounds, trauma, and mental health struggles. Therapists are trained professionals who often dig deep into your past to help you make sense of things that are affecting you today.

Think of it like: untangling a really messy ball of wool you’ve been carrying around for years.

Great for: anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or when you feel stuck in the past.

☕ Counselling: Support for Today’s Challenges

Counselling is quite similar to therapy but often a bit more short-term and focused on specific issues—relationships, grief, stress, that sort of thing. It’s supportive, and more about the here and now than digging into the past.

Think of it like: having a kind, trained guide help you through a tough patch.

Great for: emotional overwhelm, work-life balance, family struggles, or processing change.

📈 Consultancy: Expert Advice for Business-y Stuff

Consultants are the people you call in when you want expert advice. They're the pros with the know-how, usually in business, strategy, or systems. They tell you what to do based on experience and research.

Think of it like: hiring someone to come in, fix what’s broken, and leave you with a plan.

Great for: business growth, project planning, or if your team is floundering.

🤝 Mentoring: Guidance from Someone Who’s Been There

A mentor is someone who's been in your shoes—or close to it—and is willing to share their wisdom and advice. It’s often a long-term relationship, and it can be a mix of friendly support and professional insight.

Think of it like: having a big sister or brother in your field who's got your back.

Great for: career direction, industry know-how, and boosting confidence.

🌻 Life Coaching: Empowering You to Move Forward

Now, here’s where life coaching shines. A life coach doesn’t dive deep into your childhood or tell you exactly what to do. Instead, they walk beside you as you figure out what you really want in life—and help you actually get there.

Life coaching is forward-focused. It’s about setting goals, breaking through self-doubt, and building the life you’ve been dreaming of—but maybe didn’t know how to start.

Think of it like: having a personal cheerleader, strategist, and accountability partner all rolled into one.

Great for: rediscovering yourself, gaining confidence, setting goals, making life transitions, taking action because you want more out of life.

Why Choose a Life Coach?

Here’s the truth: most of us aren’t broken. We’re just stuck.

We’re busy living on autopilot, ticking boxes, and putting everyone else first. A life coach helps you pause, reflect, and reconnect—with your values, your desires, and your strengths. They don’t “fix” you, because you’re not broken. They empower you.

With a coach by your side, you’ll:

• 🌟 Get clear on what you really want

• 🚀 Build a plan to make it happen

• 💬 Have honest, non-judgmental support

• 🔥 Stay motivated, even when life throws curveballs

• 💡 Discover strengths you didn’t even know you had

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Whether you need to heal, talk, plan, grow, or dream bigger—there’s someone out there who can help. But if you're ready to take ownership of your future, move forward with purpose, and start living on your terms, then maybe it’s time to chat with a life coach.

Because your best life isn’t going to wait for the “perfect moment” to appear—and so honestly, neither should you.

Want help finding clarity or building a life that feels more like you? Let's talk.

faye@moxiecoaching.co.uk or text me on 07921923234.