Many people are confused about the difference between a professional counselor and a life coach. In some ways, it may seem more appealing to make an appointment with a life coach whose focus is on helping a client to grow and achieve. A professional counselor seems more identified with clinical issues or “working on problems”.

Here is a contrast of the qualifications of each:

A professional counselor is required to have:

* 6 years of College (minimum)
* 2 years full-time post- Master’s Clinical work experience and Supervision
* State-sanctioned Testing for Licensure
* 30 hours of Continuing Education every 2 years.
* Is qualified to participate in Medical Insurance re-imbursement as a Provider.

A Life Coach is required to have:

* No College education required
* No State License
* Start up as soon as business cards are printed!

A professional counselor is trained and required to follow rigorous ethical standards to provide quality growth-focused client care. In my practice, my goal is helping my clients to become the best they can be in their lives.

-Larcy