Teen Coaching vs Therapy: Which Option is Best for Your Child?

For teens, juggling schoolwork, friendships, and everything in between can be tough to manage. If you’ve noticed your teen struggling to keep their head above water, you’re not alone!

Many parents are turning to teen coaching programs to help their children develop the necessary skills to keep up with the demands of life today.

These professionally designed programs work to empower teenagers to develop life skills, set goals, and build resilience—all necessary skills to build happy and successful lives!

What is Teen Coaching?

Teen coaching helps teenagers through daily challenges by developing necessary life skills. Instead of focusing on solving one particular issue, coaching takes a more forward-thinking approach and focuses on personal development, goal-setting, and attitude adjustments.

Through personalized, one-on-one sessions or group coaching calls, a life coach works with teenagers to identify their passions, set achievable goals, and develop the grit, resilience, and assertiveness they need to become unstoppable.

By focusing on the future, teen life coaches empower their young clients to develop self-confidence and self-assurance to take on any personal challenges.

What is Traditional Therapy for Teens?

Instead of a life coaching program, teens can also choose to take part in a traditional therapy program. This method takes a more structured, clinical approach to addressing the psychological and emotional issues facing teenagers today.

Licensed therapists are trained healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, while some non-licensed therapists focus on supportive guidance and life coaching, unlocking past issues and resolving old traumas.

Coaching Versus Therapy: Key Differences Explained

While coaching and therapy are both excellent tools to help teenagers find the support and growth opportunities they need, there are stark differences between them.

Coaching is more focused on forward-moving growth and skill-building without addressing clinical concerns. It aims to empower every teen and give them the motivation and actionable skills they need to succeed in school, build self-confidence, and form long-lasting friendships.

On the other hand, teen therapy focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health challenges while also helping teens develop coping strategies for long-term emotional health.

Both approaches have shown to be helpful, and it’s important that you understand the differences between life coaching and therapy before deciding which path to take for your teen.

When to Choose Coaching Over Therapy

Most parents often choose coaching over therapy when their teen is not experiencing significant mental health challenges but could benefit from support with everyday struggles, including self-esteem, procrastination, or relationship building.

Teen coaching gives actionable steps and tools to help teenagers succeed. Parents may explore life coaching when they need someone to engage with their teen one-on-one in an encouraging environment.

The Unique Benefits of Teen Coaching

Life coaching for teenagers offers specialized support to help teenagers build essential life skills and personal growth strategies. Coaching sessions often focus on topics such as:

• Self-Confidence and Resilience: Empowering teens to strengthen their self-worth and face personal challenges with courage.
• Goal Setting and Achievement: Teens learn to set realistic goals and use effective strategies to achieve them.
• Social and Emotional Skills: Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, teen coaching focuses on the interpersonal, social, and emotional skills critical for life long after graduation.

The Role of a Teen Coach in Personal Growth

When exploring the idea of coaching versus therapy, it’s important to understand the role a teen coach plays in your child’s personal growth. Acting as mentors and allies, the right teen coach is vital to your child’s success inside and outside of the coaching program.

The right coach will provide an encouraging, non-judgmental space for your teenager to explore their talents, build resilience, overcome loneliness by working on relationship-building and social skills, and develop the assertive communication skills they need to make it through life.

Teen life coaches are specifically trained to meet teenagers where they are. They get on their level, tell real-life stories they can relate to, and encourage them to overcome hardships without fearing criticism or ridicule. A strong teen life coach will empower your child to take ownership of their own lives and success.

Learning More About the Difference Between Coaching and Therapy

Whether you’re concerned about your teen being lonely in life or struggling in school, you’re in the right place. The Attitude Advantage program has helped hundreds of teens find their voices, build their confidence, and grow into strong, successful adults—and we’re here to help your teen, too!

If you want to discover how coaching can empower your teen to develop life skills, set goals, and build resilience, book a free consultation today to learn more!

FAQs About Coaching Versus Therapy

What is the main difference between teen coaching and therapy?
The main difference is that teen coaching addresses common problems with a forward-thinking approach. At the same time, therapy addresses previous trauma or significant mental health issues in a more clinical way.

When should I choose coaching over therapy for my teen?
If your teen is struggling to find support, build resilience and self-confidence, or make friends, you should explore teen coaching. If your teen is struggling with a diagnosable mental illness or significant past trauma, therapy may be the better approach.

How do the costs of teen coaching and therapy compare?
The price of each program will vary depending on your teen’s needs. Some programs, like the Attitude Advantage, offer a money-back guarantee. As long as your teen actively participates in the program, their results are guaranteed, or you’ll get your money back. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

About The Founder

Jesse LeBeau is one of the top youth motivational speakers and teen coaches today. He has inspired over 1M+ teens live from stage and helped over 250,000 teenagers and families with his teen, parent and school programs. His new reality series ‘TEAM UP’ follows him as he tours the country helping kids he meets along the way that need it the most.

Help your teen build more confidence, grit and master their attitude by booking a call with us today!