Comments on: Why the Life Coach is Eating the Counselor’s Lunch (and How to Take it Back)

By: Forest Berg

Forest Berg — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 03:45:40 +0000

Joel hit the nail on the head. Basically, a good life coach only is there to “Coach” through the completion of goals period. I went and got certified as a life coach…simply to help me achieve my goals. In my training, if someone needs counseling: Send them to a counselor. If anything life coaches can create more work for counselors. I also have a background in sociology and natural resources…teaching martial arts and snowboarding…but that’s all about coaching…. 🙂

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 04:21:12 +0000

The comments here are all very interesting. I have five interns this year and none are seeking state licensure. Some are going into life coaching and others in specialized areas like sexuality and addictions. Life coaching as a profession is here to stay and is becoming much more accepted as people move away from the diagnostic model of the DSM which is used extensively in the mental health professions. No one needs to be classified and labeled. The culture of helping is becoming more accessible via life coaches and the internet. This is a golden opportunity for Bachelors and Masters level trained persons in human services, social work, counseling and psychology to move into an exciting area of practice.

By: Joel Reyes

Joel Reyes — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:41:00 +0000

I can see how a Life Coach could be somewhat threatening to a Counselor, in terms of clientele. However, as a life coach we never diagnose or give any sort of advice to clients. We mainly Listen & Ask Questions. Help clients set goals, and hold them “accountable” for their actions in terms of goal completion. We motivate. We know that we do not have nearly the training that an LMHC/LPC/LCSW has, and this why under no circumstances do we counsel, advise or treat clients.

As a coach who practices ethics, if I ever came across a potential client who seemed to need more than coaching, I would always refer them to a local counselor as I would not risk any emotional damage to the client.

@Karla as stated above WE ARE NOT trained in human behavior and interaction, thus we do not counsel. We encourage and motivate. It’s pretty simple. We also do NOT tell people what to do, and under no circumstances do we advise. We listen and ask..then the client takes it from there.

Most of us where trained properly and hold certifications only to coach, not counsel. I agree that a coach who has not been properly trained can cause damage to a client, but these breed of coaches are few. I would love to see the day that life coaches are “Regulated” by some sort of government body. However, we may never see this.

I myself am a Christian Life Coach and I normally volunteer. A lot of us did not get into this industry to “get paid”…we enjoy helping others.

God Bless you all,
Have a great day!

By: Art

Art — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:59:54 +0000

what about a person with at least a masters in counseling or psychology or family therapy that has a life coach credential so they can start making money on the side by capturing those looking for the “life coach”? would anyone have a problem with this?

By: Thriveworks

Thriveworks — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:43:38 +0000

In reply to Karla.

Thanks Karla, for your comment!
If you’re interested in reading more, here’s a Q and A regarding this very article, that we just published on another page:
https://twx.atlantacounseling.com/blog/counselors-practicing-without-a-license-is-it-legal

By: Karla

Karla — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:17:46 +0000

I wouldn’t go to someone who has little or no education about human condition and behavior. To deal with mental problems is serious business, not a game or sport that needs a coach. Coaches are ok for businesses, leadership or raising productivity, but not for treating serious matters. The people need professionals educated, with a strong ethics background…not people who either will tell you what to do (that’s a coach), bill you for it and when the coaching is done, you will face the same things with anxiety, needing someone behind you…when all you need is to understand your limits and work on your own to live life…