At some point, a lot of us find ourselves asking some version of the same question: Do I need therapy for this, or would coaching help? Is life coaching just therapy lite? What if I’ve already done therapy and now I’m wondering what comes next? In this episode of Right Here, hosts Christopher Mooney, LCSW and Kenyon Phillips, LMSW are joined by life coach Elizabeth Miller, CLC, LSW, MA to unpack the difference between therapy and life coaching in a clear, non-jargony way. Together, they differentiate therapy’s focus on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment—one that's often informed by past experiences and behaviors—from coaching as a collaborative, present-and-future-focused process centered on clarity, goals, strengths, accountability, and practical next steps. The conversation examines where therapy and coaching overlap, where they differ, and how they can work together to improve outcomes for people who are feeling stuck, directionless, unmotivated, in transition, or ready to turn internal growth into external action. Elizabeth shares how her background as a therapist led her toward coaching, what coaching can look like in practice, and how she thinks about fit, referrals, and the importance of not using coaching as a replacement for needed therapy. Whether you are looking for healing, structure, accountability, or simply a clearer sense of what kind of help makes the most sense, this episode offers a grounded way to ask: What is the right support for me right now?

To learn more about Elizabeth Miller, CLC, MSW, MA, connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Right Here is a podcast partnership with WPKN 89.5 FM in Bridgeport, CT. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services or a trusted mental health professional.