“You are always one decision away from a totally different life.” — Mark Batterson

May is Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness, foster hope, and reduce the stigma around seeking support for your well-being.

In the U.S., over 40 million adults experience anxiety disorders each year, making it the most common mental health condition. Over 70% of workers report feeling burned out, and many adults struggle daily with overwhelm, insecurity, and low confidence—especially while juggling demanding roles at work and home.

Just like physical health, mental well-being exists on a continuum. Physically, you can range from elite athlete to seriously ill—or anywhere in between. You might feel energetic, or like you’re coming down with the flu.

Similarly, with mental health, one end of the spectrum includes serious challenges like anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse. The other end includes high levels of mental fitness, clarity, and resilience.

So if you’re at a crossroads in your life, work, or wellness, you may be asking:
Do I need a therapist or a coach? What’s the difference?

Both therapy and coaching play vital roles in growth, but they serve different purposes. Knowing which one is right for you can be a game-changer.

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🧠 Therapy: Healing the Past

Therapy is about emotional healing, mental health, and processing past experiences. Therapists are licensed professionals trained to help with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or other psychological challenges.

You might benefit from therapy if:

• You’re struggling with emotional pain or mental health symptoms

• You need a safe, confidential space to process past events

• You want to heal before focusing on future goals

Therapy often explores the “why” behind your patterns and provides insight, compassion, and tools for deep healing.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” — Brené Brown

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🎯 Coaching: Building the Future

Coaching is forward-focused. It’s about setting goals, cultivating mindset and habits, and making empowered progress. A coach helps you clarify your vision, build momentum, and stay accountable—with support, strategy, and encouragement.

You might benefit from coaching if:

• You feel stuck, scattered, or lacking direction

• You know you have potential but can’t seem to reach it

• You’re ready for change but unsure how to move forward

• You want practical strategies to reach specific goals

Think of therapy as an antibiotic—it helps heal what’s broken. Coaching is like a vitamin—it helps optimize what’s already working and build strength for the future.

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Not All Coaches Are the Same

Before hiring a coach, consider what kind of support you need:

• Skills-based coaches function more like mentors or consultants. They teach from experience and guide you in mastering specific tools or knowledge.

• Professional coaches (such as those certified by the International Coaching Federation, or ICF) are trained to help you get out of your own way. If you’ve taken the courses, read the books, and earned the degrees—but still feel stuck—this kind of coach can help you unlock your confidence and finally take action.

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🧭 Three Questions to Help You Decide

Ask yourself:

1. Am I struggling with unresolved emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, or depression that interferes with daily life?

• If yes, therapy is likely the best path.

• If no, and you’re functioning well but feel stuck, coaching may be a better fit.

2. Do I want support with goals, performance, or personal growth (not mental health diagnosis or treatment)?

• If yes, a coach can help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

3. Is my primary need to heal—or to build momentum?

• If your focus is healing, therapy is the right fit.

• If your focus is action and growth, coaching is ideal.

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Ready for Change?

Whichever path you choose, the most important thing is this: don’t stay stuck. Reach out. Get support. You weren’t meant to figure it all out alone.

Seeds of Change Health & Wellness Coaching offers personal coaching for professional people, supporting clients with making desired changes in their life, health and career. If you are ready to explore how coaching can make a difference in your life—let’s talk. I offer complimentary discovery calls and low-commitment, two-week trial coaching programs to help you decide if Seeds of Change Coaching is a good fit for your needs.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe