I am often asked what is the difference between Coaching, Counseling/Therapy, Mentoring and Consulting. Although there are sometimes overlaps, the 4 approaches are distinctly unique.
Let’s start with Consulting. Consulting addresses a problem and tells or informs the client on different strategies to fix the problem. Consultants are retained for their expertise, often addressing a problem of a group or team. The consultant assesses the problems being experienced and works with the team to implement a solution.
Counseling, or psychotherapy, addresses a struggle, a problem, that impacts emotional health and behaviors. It addresses the topics causing emotional pain and dysfunction. It focuses on the psychiatric health of the person. The counselor looks into the past, explores situations with the client, to help the client gain insight into their current emotional reactions. Therapy also builds resilience by helping clients see their own inner strengths and building action plans for a successful future, improving overall psychological functioning.
Mentoring is a growth relationship, helping a client transform to reach goals. The mentor is the expert and shares their experience and wisdom. Mentoring pours wisdom onto the mentee.
Coaching is also a growth relationship, and not focused on fixing problems. Instead of telling the client what to do, the coach pulls the answers from the client. The coachee is the expert. The coach asks powerful questions to help the client gain insight and awareness. The focus is future-oriented in pursuit of actionable and wanted outcomes. Since the coachee is the expert of their own life, they have the answers within themselves. The coachee generates the action plan and the plans to hold themselves accountable. The coach guides them through this process.
All of these 4 approaches are beneficial, and needed depending on the client’s needs and goals.