One of the biggest differences between a coach and a therapist is how they are accredited.
“Therapists are governed by a licensing board, and a law degree with a state license to practice is required to legally provide psychotherapy,” Melendez said.
In the United States, licensing requirements vary from state to state, but generally only practitioners who have at least a master’s degree in areas such as social work, counseling, or marital and family therapy and who have passed the examinations on board for the licensing of their state may lawfully be called therapists. You will see acronyms after the name of a licensed therapist, such as LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Advisor) or LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist).
There are many ways to become a therapist, but all therapists go through years of schooling and training, including obtaining a minimum master’s degree, gaining clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, and taking a state licensing board exam. Doctoral psychologists such as Ph.D. or Psy.D. may also choose to work with clients as therapists, although state licensing requirements may still apply. Psychiatrists who are doctors with a doctorate and who prescribe drugs as part of a client’s treatment plan may also be called therapists.
For coaches, there is currently no centralized governing body to regulate or monitor the coaching industry, and there are no specific training or minimum requirements to become a coach. “I firmly believe that this is on the verge of change,” Gozo said. encourage anyone who is serious about becoming a life coach to be properly trained and certified. “
As a client, here are some ways you can check to see if your potential coach has the right training, certifications, and credentials: