COACHING is often confused with counselling, mentoring or consulting.
Certainly, the focus of my coaching is to support clients in gaining greater self-awareness, and identifying and reaching their goals, but as a coach I never give advice or counsel. Coaching doesn’t dwell on the past, neither does it provide any kind of analysis.
Here are the main differences between the modalities:
COUNSELLING
Focuses on emotional traumas – often originating in the past – to make sense of a current difficult situation. As with most therapeutic approaches, it is analytical and looks at specific psychological issues. Coaching is future-focused and is not analytical. Coaches do not advise or counsel.
MENTORING
A mentor has expert skill and knowledge which they share with their mentee – usually in a professional capacity. A coach doesn’t have to possess insider or specialist knowledge of a client’s field of work/personal life to help them move forward.
CONSULTING
A consultant is hired by a company to look at ways of getting the best performance out of the business and its employees. A consultant provides answers and solutions. Coaches do not provide clients with answers – instead they encourage clients to find answers for themselves.
