WHAT IS COACHING?

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A lot of people aren't exactly sure what a coach can do for them. Here are some key distinctions between coaching and other helping professions.

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COACHING VS THERAPY, CONSULTING, AND MENTORING

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Coaches

Coaches hold a unique perspective of their clients. Coaches believe you are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. You are completely capable of finding your own answers to challenges you face.

You are not a collection of issues to fix and problems to solve! You are a high-performing person who forms an alliance with your coach.

Coaches focus on you - helping you design a future with your specific goals and desires in mind. A coach is your champion when you doubt yourself and will keep you focused on your desired outcomes.

Coaches are action oriented and provide accountability and assignments for you. They help you to set goals and achieve results in less time. Coaches are expected to have contact with clients between sessions to share progress and celebrate wins.

 

Therapists, Consultants and Mentors

Therapists are highly trained to work with major mental illness and entrenched problems. They focus on healing and understanding. In some ways, therapists are focused more on the past, and the origins of negative self-beliefs. Their training allows them to design a treatment plan for their clients. Accountability is less commonly expected. Contact between sessions is for crisis or difficulties only.

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Consultants are trained in a specific area or field to improve particular components in a business. They are focused on quantitative analysis, fixing and improving. They give advice and a roadmap for organizational change. Accountability is less commonly expected.

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Mentors have expertise and experience in a particular field. They help those with less experience who are seeking guidance. A mentor shares life experience and knowledge, sometimes providing exposure and resources. Contact with mentors varies greatly and accountability is less commonly expected.