Coaches, unlike therapists, are not trained or licensed to address things like depression, anxiety, trauma or other mental health related topics. Nevertheless, Coaching is a field that focuses on you meeting future goals, and does not explore the past.
Those who identify themselves as Personal or Life Coaches may have a wide range of experiences, specialties, and credentials. Whereas the terms “therapist” or “counselor” have a multitude of state, federal, and field related licenses, Coaching, at present, is not a licensed field. Nevertheless, the person who is coaching you is likely to have specific training in Professional Coaching, and abide by specific guidelines. There are training organizations at the forefront of the field, such as Coach U, that advocate that their Coaches follow specific guidelines and receive instruction. In addition, you may find that some therapists utilize Coaching as part of their practices.
What you address in coaching truly depends on you. Some hire a Coach to work on leadership development, business development, health and fitness, spiritual growth, or personal goals.
A Coach focuses on encouraging you and teaching you skills that will enable you to reach your specific goals. How the Coach helps you reach these goals really depends on their training, background, and what you want. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to find that Coaches will specialize in areas that they have the most experience with. For example, you may hire a Business Coach, who is trained as a Coach, but also has a lot of knowledge about the corporate world. Similarly, you could hire someone as a Health Coach who has a lot of training and experience in the health and fitness field.
How and when you meet is a something that you and your coach decide, based on what goals you want to achieve, and when.
You may hire a Personal Coach, or, Coaches can be hired by an organization to help their personnel tackle specific goals. It is not uncommon for Coaching to be offered in person, or over the phone.
