Therapist vs Life Coach vs Health Coach: How to Choose the Right Support for Your Wellness Journey
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If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for a change—but unsure where to turn—you’re not alone.
Many women reach a point where they know something needs to shift. Whether it’s mental health, work-life balance, energy levels, or daily habits, getting support from a trained professional can be incredibly helpful. The challenge is often knowing who to turn to: a therapist, a life coach, or a health coach.
Each of these professionals brings something different to the table, and understanding those differences can help you confidently choose the right kind of support for your goals and needs.
Let’s break it down.
What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist, also known as a licensed counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist, is trained to support individuals struggling with emotional, psychological, or mental health challenges.
Education & Credentials
Therapists typically hold a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. They are licensed by state boards and follow ethical guidelines to ensure client safety and confidentiality.
What They Help With
Anxiety and depression
Trauma and PTSD
Relationship challenges
Grief and loss
Self-esteem and identity issues
Emotional regulation
Past experiences that are impacting present-day life
Therapists use various evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and more. They provide a nonjudgmental, confidential space where you can explore your emotions, thought patterns, and life experiences to heal and grow.
When to See a Therapist
If you're dealing with unresolved trauma, mental health conditions, or emotional patterns that are impacting your ability to function or feel well, a therapist is likely the best place to start.
What Does a Life Coach Do?
A life coach works with individuals who are looking to improve their present and plan for their future. Life coaching is not about diagnosing or treating mental health issues; it’s about helping you get from where you are to where you want to be.
Education & Training
Life coaches are not required to have a specific degree or license, though many complete training programs or certifications through organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF).
What They Help With
Career transitions
Goal setting and productivity
Motivation and accountability
Building confidence
Improving time management
Clarifying personal values and life direction
Life coaches use a future-focused and action-oriented approach. They help you identify what's holding you back, clarify your goals, and create a step-by-step plan to move forward.
When to See a Life Coach
If you're feeling stuck in your career, unsure about your next move in life, or need a boost of clarity and accountability to reach a personal or professional goal, a life coach can be a powerful resource.
What Does a Health Coach Do?
A health coach focuses specifically on wellness and lifestyle habits that affect your overall health—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
As a health coach myself, I work with clients who want to feel better in their bodies and build sustainable, long-term habits. Whether you’re trying to reduce stress, eat more intuitively, sleep better, or just feel more energized in your daily life, a health coach is trained to support you through those shifts.
Education & Training
Many health coaches, including myself, are certified through programs like the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), which combines holistic health education with coaching skills and business development.
Health coaches may have backgrounds in nutrition, fitness, behavioral health, or other wellness fields, but we focus on habit change rather than prescribing meal plans or diagnosing conditions.
What We Help With
Creating balanced routines
Healthy eating habits (without dieting)
Managing stress and burnout
Sleep hygiene and energy levels
Mindful movement and body connection
Reducing overwhelm and improving self-care
Health coaching is highly personalized. We meet you where you are and help you build habits that fit your lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all program or restrictive protocol.
When to Work with a Health Coach
If you're ready to take better care of yourself, feel more balanced, and finally make changes that stick, working with a health coach can be incredibly empowering.
Thinking About Becoming a Coach Yourself?
Several years ago, after working in behavioral health and earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, I found myself craving a more holistic and flexible approach to supporting others.
That’s when I enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition—and it completely changed the trajectory of my career.
Why I Chose IIN
IIN is one of the most well-established online certification programs for health coaches and wellness professionals. Here’s what stood out to me:
Flexible, self-paced learning designed for busy people
A curriculum that blends nutrition, behavior change, and coaching skills
Education on over 100 dietary theories, lifestyle approaches, and holistic wellness topics
A supportive community of students and graduates around the world
Business training to help you actually launch a career as a coach
Whether you want to work in wellness full-time or simply add coaching to your existing skill set, IIN provides a well-rounded foundation.
If you're curious about becoming a health coach, you can explore IIN’s offerings here.
Use the code “ABIGAILCHARETTEXIIN” for 25% off your tuition if you decide to enroll in any of their certification or continuing education programs.
Ready to Work on Your Own Wellness?
I currently work 1:1 with millennial women who are ready to reestablish healthy habits, reduce overwhelm, and feel better—mentally and physically.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re always in survival mode and want to build a lifestyle that feels supportive, I’d love to connect.
My next round of 1:1 coaching spots opens this September, and I’m now booking free intro calls.
Click here to request your free 20-minute consultation
During this call, we’ll chat about what’s been feeling hard, what you’re craving more of, and whether coaching is the right next step for you.
Final Thoughts: Which Path Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to personal growth and well-being. Depending on where you are in your journey, you might benefit from a therapist, a coach, or even a combination of both.
And if coaching feels like the right next step for you, I’m here to help.
Click here to book your free intro call
or
Learn more about becoming a coach through IIN and don’t forget to use code ABIGAILCHARETTEXIIN for 25% off.