Therapy + Life Coaching

What’s the difference?
And how to choose what’s right for you

So what’s the difference?

Therapy focuses on the past and reducing mental health symptoms;
Coaching focuses on overcoming blocks to reach desired goals.

The major difference between therapy and coaching is the focus of the work. The approach of therapy is centered around assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions, while life coaching is more focused on personal development and achieving specific goals. Therapists have extensive education and training, utilize specific evidence-based practices, and are legally held to standards of their licensure. The industry of life coaching is less regulated, yet many certifications offer specialized techniques and qualifications to promote achievement of desired outcomes and growth. Anybody can benefit from a therapist or life coach.

When to see a therapist

  • You are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, or substance abuse.

  • You need support navigating distressing or complex emotions

  • You want to heal from a painful past

  • You struggle with interpersonal relationships

  • You feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode and would benefit from developing therapeutic coping strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

When to see a life coach

  • You desire to live a life of purpose and meaning but are not sure where to begin

  • You need support getting crystal clear on who you are and what you want out of life.

  • You are suffering from a lack of motivation and as a result feel emotionally paralyzed or “stuck.”

  • You want to break unhealthy/unhelpful habits and become the best and truest version of yourself

  • You need a sense of direction regarding the next chapter of your life.

Due to state licensing, holistic therapy is only available to residents of South Carolina. However, transformational coaching sessions are available to anyone worldwide!

My holistic therapy and transformational coaching methods share many similarities, and either session type could be a good fit for you.

Not sure which session type is best for you?

  • "When I started working with Jenny, I was almost completely non-functional in everyday life. However, as soon as I stepped into her office, it changed. She has a contagiously uplifting energy and an attitude of positivity and healing. I feel like a different person since starting therapy with Jenny and others around me can see it too. “

    -Sarah

  • “Finding someone you can be completely open with is not an easy task. Jenny does such a great job of creating a safe space to delve into your struggles and pain. She has helped guide me through situations that I felt like I couldn’t handle alone, and thanks to her, I didn’t have to. She meets you with empathy and support. I am so grateful for her! “

    - Kayla

  • “Jenny has challenged me to see things from a different perspective and help my personal growth continue to flourish. She has helped me look within myself to find what I truly love, cherish, and want out of my life for the future.”

    -Erin

  • “The best part of working with Jenny is a toss up between ENTERING THE SAFE SPACE that she creates for me and the emotions & ‘the baggage’ I’m coming in with to unpack… and the AFTER FEELING of a post-work-out relief & exhaustion… you feel like you went through something, a healing something. I feel so much more confident, I know now what I need and how to communicate those needs with others, and a deeper, acceptance of self and others.”

    -Martha Jane

  • “My therapy with Jenny has literally saved my life in moments of panic or when dealing with past trauma! She’s real and authentic but most of all she truly cares about you becoming the best version of yourself!”

    -Rickey

Incorporating The Adult Chair Model

In each of my sessions, I weave in The Adult Chair model, which is a manual for your life. It’s a tool that helps you feel empowered, confident, and equipped with a clear roadmap to your healthiest, most authentic self. Through The Adult Chair, you will understand how your life experiences have shaped you, give a voice to the different parts of who you are, gain greater self-awareness, and respond to life in a healthy way.

The Adult Chair helps you understand the three main parts that make up all of us: the Child, the Adolescent, and the Adult. When you understand which Chair you are in at any given moment, you will gain greater self-awareness, live in your healthy Adult more often, and become a more grounded, peaceful, and empowered human.

The Bottom Line

Consider therapy if you want to heal or get help with a mental health concern; try life coaching if you need help getting “unstuck” or reaching your fullest potential!

I take a person-centered approach with every client to ensure a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment where you are free to be yourself and share your struggles openly. Whether you choose coaching or therapy, I’d love to walk alongside you as you gain a deeper love for yourself and for the life you were born to live!