Whenever I go somewhere and tell people what I do for a living, it doesn’t take them very long before they ask me “the” question, “What is the difference between Christian Coaching and Counseling?” You will get all kinds of answers depending on the background, education, and experience of the person. In general though the answer should resemble the following if they have a Psychology or Counseling background.

Counseling or also known as psychotherapy is the treatment in which a trained professional- a therapist-uses psychological techniques to help someone overcome psychological difficulties and disorders, resolve problems in living, or bring about personal growth. This definition was taken from a 2009 Spring semester college Textbook called Essentials of Understanding Psychology, 8th edition from which I taught. While completing their studies, future therapists will choose an approach or theory from which they will filter the information that the client will bring to the session. Some examples of the theories are Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Cognitive, Humanistic, Family Systems approach and finally an Eclectic approach which combines techniques from other approaches. Also, in counseling there is a diagnosis of the problem by the therapist so a treatment plan can be established.

The person providing therapy must take a state licensing exam to provide therapy, and have a Master’s Degree or higher concentrating in this area. Now if the person is a Christian Psychologist/therapist, their background, education, and experience will differ if they attended a Christian University. However, some professionals find a relationship with Jesus after they have completed their education, and then provide the counseling with a Christian perspective based on their walk with the Lord. Not to confuse you further, but their are counselors who call themselves coaches as well, and so I don’t complicate matters worse I’ll leave it at that.

Now there are many different types of Life Coaches, but I am going to discuss in particular Christian Life Coaching. My approach to life coaching is Jesus Christ centered. This means that the way I approach my client’s challenges in everyday life is based on biblical truths. One of the main truths is this. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and the free gifts of His death and resurrection give us grace, hope, and a new life as a saved, healed, free, and whole person who has every opportunity to live victoriously by God’s word in every challenge and obstacle by FAITH free of condemnation.

As your life coach, when you enter into a coaching relationship, that is the foundation from which I will provide life skills that relate to unforgiveness, communication, anger management, relationships, disease, death, coping skills, career exploration, work/family balance, and spiritual guidance. This coaching program is specifically designed to empower you to live your day to day life in victory through your faith in Jesus Christ. There are certifications for life coaching, however it is not standardized, meaning there are countless coaching organizations that will certify you to become a life coach which is good if you have no education or experience in coaching. But, if you have a degree in the mental health field, Master’s preferably with solid work experience, then that criteria alone gives a life coach credibility.

When you pick a life coach or counselor, it is very important that you ask questions about their professional and educational background, views, theoretical perspective from which they provide their services to see if it matches with your life view. I have worked with mental health professionals that were not Christian, and have seen people benefit from their services, because I do believe that God works through everyone.However, as a believer if you suffer from depression or have been diagnosed with some type of disorder, I suggest that you seek services from a Christian Psychologist or therapist so you can obtain appropriate treatment with the spiritual component. In fact, if I determine at any time, that you could benefit from another professional, I will certainly refer you out. A professional coach knows his/her limitations, and what is in the best interest of the client.

I hope this has cleared up any questions you may have between Coaching and Counseling.
Be blessed and remember God loves you, and healing is always available you just have to believe Him for it. God bless you!