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What is Life Counseling?
To fully understand what life counseling is, we need to understand why it is necessary. There are times in our lives when we experience a crossroads. At these times, we often have no clue what the future holds for us and what path we should take at that time. Consequently, this uncertainty can result in mental issues like depression, anxiety, and stress.
People get confused about whether they have to get out of their comfort zone or to choose the path that scares them less. Thus, at times like these, to find clarity in direction and to achieve our goals, one should consider a therapist or counselor.
A life counseling service acts as a sounding board for people to use as they wade through their desires attempting to achieve their goals. So, for a deeper understanding of what life counseling is and its benefits, read on.
Also, read this Article on Creating a Course
What is Counseling?
Counseling is also known as “psychotherapy.” It consists of a process that develops a trust-based relationship between the client and mental health professionals. Through a counseling session, professionals help you to create a safe space and supportive environment.
They enable you to explore the deeper and often hidden parts of you. They also help clarify your life goals and desires so you can focus on what you want to achieve in life. They are like a support system that gives you clarity and strength. A good therapist or counselor helps you to make peace with your past and present while instilling hope in your future.
Counseling vs. Coaching
Many people mistakenly think that life coaching is life counseling in disguise. However, in reality, these two are entirely different terms and have a different root cause or a purpose.
Although they have some similarities, these are two different fields and professions. So, have a look at the common differences between life coaching and counseling.
· Goal-Setting:
The goal of counseling is to help you deal with mental issues and past problems. Thus, counseling is more focused on solving past problems.
On the other hand, there is a clear goal in a coaching session. For example, you went to a sales coach to improve sales or a life transition coach, etc. Thus, its focus is on the future and helps to provide a solution.
· Progress Time:
Counseling is a lengthy process that needs at least 8 to 10 months to show outcomes. Because it requires building a relationship based on trust, moreover, it requires a thorough understanding of the client’s unique story to give suitable suggestions.
Whereas in coaching, the time is fixed. Which, in most cases, is 3 months.
· Purpose:
The purpose of counseling is to help clients understand how they feel. Therefore, its focus is on helping them to recognize and solve problems in their lives.
Whereas in the case of coaching, your focus should be on telling your clients what they think. What is their goal like? Only in this way can they help their clients to set and achieve their goals.
Benefits of Life Counseling
Common benefits one can achieve through life counseling are:
- It can help you to identify your emotions and how you feel to make peace with your life.
- Counseling can give you the ability to change self-defeating habits.
- Besides, it can improve your confidence and self-esteem.
- Gives you relief from mental issues like depression, anxiety, etc.
Final Thoughts
Life counseling deals with your past and helps to find a way to work with mental issues. It is not the same as life coaching, because of who the practitioner is.
Counseling or therapy, unlike coaching, requires a license, rather than just certification. The license is required to bill insurance companies. Insurance companies need a diagnosis before allowing billing. So, if you are willing to pay cash for a little guidance through a tough time without being required to be diagnosed with a mental disorder, look into life coaching instead.
If you would like to chat with a group or dedicated people who are coaches, or aspiring coaches, check out our Facebook Group.