Life Coach vs Emotional Wellbeing Coach: What’s the Difference?

With so many types of coaching available, it can be hard to know which is the right fit, especially if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. This quick guide explains the key differences between an emotional wellbeing coach and a life coach, so you can decide what support you might benefit from most.

What Does a Life Coach Do?

A life coach helps you set and achieve specific personal or professional goals. Think of them as your personal motivator and strategist.

They typically support with:

• Goal-setting and accountability

• Career or lifestyle planning

• Productivity and time management

• Confidence and mindset shifts

Life coaching is action-focused and future-oriented. It’s ideal if you're feeling clear-headed but need guidance, motivation, or structure.

Example: John wants to change careers. His life coach helps him create a plan, stay on track, and build confidence to take the leap.

What Does an Emotional Wellbeing Coach Do?

An emotional wellbeing coach focuses more on how you feel day-to-day. Their role is to help you understand and manage emotions like stress, anxiety, or overwhelm so you can feel more balanced.

They typically help with:

• Coping strategies for stress or anxiety

• Building self-awareness and resilience

• Emotional triggers or low self-esteem

• Reconnecting with personal values

This type of coaching often blends practical tools with gentle emotional exploration.

Example: Sarah feels emotionally drained. She works with a wellbeing coach to manage stress, feel more grounded, and rebuild confidence before setting new goals.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose a life coach if:

• You have a clear goal or area of life to improve

• You want practical strategies and accountability

Choose an emotional wellbeing coach if:

• Your emotions are taking control of you

• You feel emotionally stuck or overwhelmed

• You want tools to manage your emotions and feel more like yourself

Both can be valuable, even at different times. Many people begin with emotional wellbeing coaching and move on to life coaching once they feel more emotionally steady.

Important note: If you're dealing with trauma or severe mental health challenges, it’s best to speak with a licensed therapist first.

My Approach at Lorien Frank Coaching

I specialise in emotional wellbeing coaching for children, teens, and adults. My sessions are relaxed, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s emotional needs. I use:

• The Ollie Model to help younger clients manage big feelings

• Strengths-based coaching to rebuild clarity and confidence

• Breathwork and grounding tools to calm the nervous system

In simple terms: A life coach helps you map the journey. An emotional wellbeing coach helps you get emotionally ready to travel it.

If you’re unsure where to begin, I offer a free intro chat. We’ll explore what’s been feeling difficult and decide together what kind of support is right for you.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Intro Chat