Coaches don’t advise or counsel, but it can feel very therapeutic. This is why coaching often gets confused with other talking therapies and tools. Coaching also gets confused with other learning interventions. So here is a quick guide so you can find out what approach works for you right now.
Coaching
A professional relationship that helps people produce results in their lives, careers, businesses or organisations, by bridging the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.
The coach holds the coachee as the expert in their own lives and work. The listens, makes observations, ask powerful questions, and holds up a mirror to help the clients see what they may not see in themselves. They set challenges, and hold the clients accountable for taking action. It is a fast tracked personal development programme as the attention is solely focused on the needs of the client. The coaches only agenda is supporting the client in achieving what they want. They don't advise, mentor or tell, but use coaching tools to expand, learn and develop into action.
Mentoring
Mentoring is when an expert or more experienced person shares their knowledge and gives advice.
A mentor will act as a role model. Mentoring involves wide ranging discussions that may not be limited to the work context. Mentors, like coaches, want the mentee to succeed and achieve, but impart knowledge rather than help the coachee to discover knowledge within.
Counselling
Counselling is working with a client who has an issue, block or dissatisfaction within their life, often looking in the past to find the cause.
A counsellor will work with the client to fix the issue so they can move forward. Coaches believe that the coachee is not broken, but has the knowledge and will to move forward. Counsellors do use powerful questions and create accountability.
Therapy
Therapy is working with the client who needs help from psychological or physical symptoms.
Therapy deals with the client’s mental health. The client wants emotional healing and relief from mental pain. Coaching deals with the client’s mental growth. Some coachees can’t move forward until they have healed past pain or trauma. Coaching is forward focused and focuses on the present, where are you now, and the future, where do you want to be. Coaches do not diagnose pain or trauma.
A coach will, however, provide you with your own safe space to help you regain your focus and energy. Your coach will work with you to help you discover your goals and create a plan of action.
You may use all forms of development for different topics, issues or goals in your life. It isn't one or the other, but choosing which approach works at the right time for you. You may also hire a consultant or a trainer at other times to help you find answers or teach you new things. Life is a journey, learning and adapting is essential.
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