Revisit Your 2025 Goals: How Therapy and Coaching Help You Reset Mid-Year
It’s July. Can you believe it?
We’re halfway through 2025—cue the “how is it already summer?” panic and the urge to dust off those New Year’s resolutions. If you’re feeling a little out of sync with your goals (or unsure where you’re even headed), you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. This is the perfect time to hit pause, reflect, and recalibrate. And that’s where the magic of therapy and coaching comes in.
Not sure whether to work with a life coach or a therapist? Let’s break it down so you can feel crystal clear on what’s best for you.
Is Coaching More Effective Than Therapy?
Let’s get this big question out of the way: life coach vs therapist—who’s actually more effective?
The answer? It depends on what you need right now.
A life coach is like a personal trainer for your goals. They help you figure out what you want, break it into actionable steps, and stay accountable. Life coaches are future-focused—they’re all about the “how” of moving forward.
A therapist, on the other hand, helps you dive deep into your thoughts and feelings. Therapy is a safe space to heal old wounds, process emotions, and understand patterns that might be holding you back. It’s not just about goals—it’s about the “why” underneath your struggles.
So, is coaching more effective than therapy? In the life coach vs therapist debate, it’s really about what’s right for you:
If you’re feeling stuck in past hurts or anxious thoughts, therapy can help you heal and grow from the inside out.
If you’re feeling ready to tackle your goals and want a cheerleader to keep you motivated, coaching might be your best bet.
And here’s a little secret: you don’t always have to choose just one. Many people work with a therapist for emotional support and a coach for goal-focused accountability. It’s about blending the best of both worlds. At Healthy Minds NYC, we offer both life coaching and therapy so you can easily move between the best kind of support for you in any season of life.
How Do I Know If I Need a Therapist or Life Coach?
This is a big one in the life coach vs therapist conversation—how do you know who to call?
Here’s a little gut-check to help you decide:
You might need a therapist if…
You’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down more days than not.
You’re noticing patterns in your relationships or thoughts that keep repeating.
You’re working through grief, trauma, or a big life transition that’s weighing on your heart.
You want a safe space to explore your feelings and learn healthier ways to cope.
You might need a life coach if…
You have big goals (like a career change or personal project) but feel stuck on how to start.
You want accountability—someone to check in, cheer you on, and help you problem-solve.
You’re feeling ready to level up and create more balance, but you’re not sure how to get there.
You’re craving clarity and action—less talking about the past and more moving forward.
In the life coach vs therapist question, remember: both want you to thrive. They just focus on different pieces of the puzzle.
Can I Use a Therapist as a Life Coach?
Here’s where things get interesting in the life coach vs therapist world: can a therapist also be a life coach?
The answer is…sometimes, yes!
Many therapists have coaching-style training, and they can absolutely help you set goals, stay accountable, and create action plans. In fact, some therapists blend therapy and coaching seamlessly—especially if you’re looking for a balance of healing and growth. Our staff life coach at Healthy Minds NYC is trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, so she has solid experience as a therapist, but functions for you as a personal and professional coach.
But there’s an important distinction.
Therapy is a regulated, clinical practice. It’s focused on your mental health—like managing anxiety, depression, or trauma. Coaching isn’t medical—it’s about personal development, not mental health treatment.
So if you’re dealing with deeper emotional pain or mental health concerns, it’s best to work with a therapist who’s trained to support you safely. If you’re focused mainly on moving forward and want structured accountability, a coach might be a better fit.
Some therapists wear both hats—but it’s always good to ask upfront about their approach and whether it aligns with what you’re looking for.
What is the Downside of a Life Coach?
Let’s get real for a second about the life coach vs therapist decision—because while coaching can be incredibly powerful, it’s not always the best fit for everyone.
The biggest downside of life coaching? It’s not therapy. And that means:
No mental health treatment. Life coaches aren’t licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, therapy is the safer route.
No insurance coverage. Coaching is usually an out-of-pocket investment, while therapy is often covered by insurance.
No clinical training required. Anyone can call themselves a life coach, which means credentials and experience can vary widely.
That doesn’t mean coaching isn’t valuable! For many people, having a supportive coach can be a game changer. But if you’re feeling lost or struggling with intense emotions, working with a licensed therapist can provide the clinical support you need to truly heal.
Why Mid-Year is the Perfect Time to Reset
So why talk about life coach vs therapist now, in the middle of the year? Because this is the moment to take stock.
Halfway through 2025, you’re probably feeling that nudge to pause and check in:
What goals have you let slide?
What dreams are you craving, but haven’t pursued yet?
What patterns keep tripping you up, even when you’re trying your best?
Whether you’re feeling proud of your progress or a little off track, therapy and coaching can help you re-center. A therapist can help you explore the “why” behind any self-sabotage or overwhelm. A life coach can help you map out the “how” and build momentum.
In the end, the life coach vs therapist question is really about permission: permission to ask for help. Permission to know you’re allowed to want more, feel more, be more. And permission to reset—even if it’s July and you’re only now getting around to those New Year’s resolutions.
Final Thoughts: Your Path, Your Choice
Here’s what we hope you take away from the life coach vs therapist conversation: there’s no right or wrong choice. There’s just the next step that feels right for you.
Therapy is there for the deep work: healing old wounds, making peace with your past, and learning to hold yourself with more compassion.
Coaching is there for the action steps: building your dreams, finding your fire, and making it happen.
And you know what? You’re allowed to have both. You’re allowed to ask for help, even if you’re not “falling apart.” You’re allowed to reset your goals, even if you’re only halfway through the year.
So take a deep breath. Reflect on what’s working and what’s not. And give yourself permission to reach out—to a therapist, a life coach, or both. Because you deserve support. You deserve clarity. And you deserve to create a life that feels good from the inside out.
Want to explore whether therapy or coaching is right for you? Reach out to Healthy Minds NYC today.
Let’s talk about your 2025 goals, your questions about life coach vs therapist care, and the kind of support that will meet you exactly where you are. You’ve got this—and we’re here to walk with you.
