A life coach typically helps someone manage their thoughts and feelings in pursuit of better results in their lives, such as relationships with family members, friends, or colleagues; goal achievement; problem-solving; weight loss; career ambitions; decision making; etc. Life coaches usually focus on their client’s current situation and help them move forward toward a better future.
A therapist can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health illnesses. They often focus on an individual’s past to help understand what is creating their current situation and support them with applicable therapeutic methods.
Oftentimes a person can benefit from both therapeutic counseling and life coaching. If you are currently working with a therapist you might ask them if life coaching would also be beneficial to you.
If an individual is working with a life coach and the coach identifies characteristics or attributes often found in mental health challenges, they will most likely recommend that they work with a licensed therapist.