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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is a Life Coach? How does it differ from a psychologist?

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  • Amelia Cambrell

    Psychologist

    Experienced Psychologist offering “Caring Counselling for Clarity, Confidence and Happinness” for individuals, couples and families, children, adolescents and adults across a broad range of issues … View Profile

    A Life Coach may or may not be a psychologist.  A psychologist must have satisfied a certain level of education and experience to call themself a psychologist and to become registered as a practising psychologist.  Currently there are no restrictions on calling oneself a Life Coach so be careful that the person calling themself a Life Coach is qualified and experienced in this area.

    A Life Coach is potentially a narrower focus than what a psychologist might explore and it's adapted to each person to help them fulfil their goals in life.   Life Coaching is great to help develop a clear sense of direction, including ones personal and professional goals, to help create a life that has a sense of purpose.  A Life Coach or psychologist operating in this manner will aim to inspire ideas, clarify goals, identify strengths and values, improve communication and leadership skills, motivate self to action, and support goal achievement while respecting work-life balance.

    Life Coaching can be helpful for people from a range of backgrounds including those who want to excel in their career, and those who may not be working but want to lead a more fulfilling life.  People might have different starting points such as those needing to overcome personal challenges such as if compromised by physical or mental health issues, while others might feel like they're doing well but they'd appreciate tweaking their life further to gain even greater satisfaction.


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