Coaching vs. Mentoring, Therapy & Advising: What You Need to Know
"The best coaches don’t give you the answers. They help you uncover them within yourself."
Coaching is one of the most powerful investments you can make in yourself, but what exactly is it? Many people confuse coaching with mentoring, advising, or even therapy—each of which serves a different purpose. If you’re considering working with a coach or have recently started, understanding these differences is essential to getting the most out of your coaching journey.
As a professional coach, I don’t tell you what to do. I don’t diagnose. I don’t hand you a step-by-step playbook. Instead, I help you unlock your own solutions. This blog will break down what coaching is, what it isn’t, and how you can prepare to get the best results from our sessions.
What Coaching Is (and What It Isn’t)
Coaching IS:
A structured, thought-provoking partnership that helps you maximize your personal and professional potential.
Focused on the present and future, not the past.
A process that encourages self-awareness, deep reflection, and goal-oriented action.
A space for accountability, challenge, and transformation.
Completely customized to your growth journey—there’s no one-size-fits-all success formula here.
Coaching IS NOT:
1. Coaching is NOT Therapy or Counseling
While we may touch on past experiences that shape how you show up today, coaching does not diagnose or treat emotional trauma. Therapy is designed for deep healing; coaching is about forward movement. If therapeutic support is needed, I encourage clients to work with a licensed professional.
2. Coaching is NOT Mentoring
Mentors guide you based on their own experiences. They offer wisdom from their path. As a coach, I don’t tell you how to navigate your career based on my journey—I help you uncover what works best for you.
3. Coaching is NOT Consulting or Advising
Consultants provide solutions based on industry expertise. I’ve been a consultant before, and in that role, I gave expert recommendations. Coaching is different: You are the expert in your own life, and my role is to help you discover your best path forward—not hand you a pre-written success formula.
4. Coaching is NOT Just a Friendly Chat
Our sessions are intentional and structured. While venting may happen, the primary purpose is transformation, not casual conversation. Expect deep questioning, mindset shifts, and powerful breakthroughs.
How to Get the Most Out of Coaching
Coaching works best when you come prepared and take ownership of the process. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Bring a Topic or Goal
Before each session, ask yourself:
What’s most important for me to work on today?
What challenge, opportunity, or decision do I need clarity on?
Coaching is client-led, meaning you set the agenda.
2. Be Open to Reflection & New Perspectives
You might not get the answer you expect—but that’s often where the biggest growth happens. Coaching helps you expand your thinking, so come in with a willingness to explore new possibilities.
3. Take Ownership of Your Progress
Between sessions, you may be invited to take action, reflect, or apply insights. Growth happens outside of sessions just as much as it does within them.
The Power of Coaching: A Space for Growth & Transformation
Coaching isn’t about quick fixes or external advice. It’s about guiding you back to your own inner wisdom. When you engage fully, you’ll experience clarity, confidence, and profound leadership growth.
So, let me ask you: What’s the first step you need to take toward your next breakthrough?
If you’re ready to experience transformational coaching firsthand, reach out, and let’s make it happen. Until then, here’s to showing up fully and authentically in your leadership and life.
