A life coach helps to bridge your present with the future you desire. They uncover patterns of thought, feeling and belief that get in the way of achieving your desires. A therapist, however, examines your past and how it has impacted you in order to help you manage your present. In coaching, the emphasis is on what is possible: alternative perspectives and choices. Therapy focuses on healing through analysis and interpretation of the past. 

In a coaching program, the coach works with you to create your overarching goals and vision . Each week, you work together on a small , manageable and relevant piece towards your goals. You are  accountable for presenting  a problem or a challenge to a coaching session and taking actions that you promise you will do between sessions. Each week, you move closer to your desired future. 

Talking with a close friend may be helpful, but a professional coach is trained to offer undistracted listening and non-judgmental and thought-provoking questions to help you move forward. Coaching conversations are strictly confidential, allowing one to discuss things they may not feel comfortable sharing with a friend.

Mentoring is another way we seek support. A mentor usually helps you deal with technical challenges by providing relevant experience and advice. But we  all have different challenges. Some challenges are more complex, so only focusing on the technical may only touch the surface of the issue. For example, some of us constantly procrastinate. We may think that we just  need to manage our time better. But we neglect  the internal challenges that are usually the core of procrastination. A life coach lasers in to help uncover your internal challenges. With increased awareness, you will make a bigger impact on  your situation.