One common question that people have is, "How does coaching differ from counseling, consulting and mentoring?"

It is important to understand the distinctions between these four unique approaches. While each offers great value to an individual or team, each addresses a different need.

How is coaching different than counseling (or therapy)?

In a counseling relationship, the client looks to the counselor’s expertise to help them understand behavioral patterns, heal pain and resolve conflict.

Coaching’s focus is on the future and moving a person forward from where they are now to where they want to be. It's purpose is to assist creating, through an equal partnership between client and coach, the highest possible level of performance and achievement for the client. The client’s desire is for clarity, direction and accountability so they can achieve personal and professional success.

How is coaching different than consulting?

A consultant is usually hired for his or her expertise in a specialized area. The consultant is there to diagnose problems, impart knowledge and provide solutions that will help an individual or team improve performance and achieve greater success.

Coaching sees the individual or team as the experts and the ones that have the creativity and intelligence to generate their own solutions. The coach’s role is to support their client in the discovery process by providing approaches and frameworks that will help deepen his or her learning.

How is coaching different than mentoring?

A mentor usually acts as an advisor to someone wishing to learn or emulate the skills, attributes and qualities which they themselves possess. Mentors normally have many more years of experience than the person they are working with.

Coaching is a partnership of two equals. The focus of the coach is to foster and support the client’s intrinsic qualities that may not be recognized or appreciated, so that the client can embrace his or her unique self and the strengths, gifts and values he or she offers the world.