What is coaching?

The International Coaching Federation, the largest coaching association in the world, defines coaching as “a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them (clients) to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership.” (https://experiencecoaching.com)

What is the difference between coaching and consulting?

The process of consulting relies on the consultant’s ability to generate solutions for the client. Consultants recommend and advise.

Non-directive coaching relies on the coach’s ability to facilitate learning and growth in the client through dialogue. Coaches ask questions which stimulate the client’s own ability to generate solutions for themselves. Coaching is said to be about the whole person and not just the problem. What results from the process of coaching is often a transformation in how the client thinks, feels, and subsequently acts.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Therapy is designed to help clients understand and deal with their mental and emotional pain or trauma. Coaching should never be used as a substitute for counselling, therapy, or substance abuse treatment.

Coaching is designed to help a client examine where they are today in relation to where they want to be and to create the forward momentum for clients to reach a desired goal or end state.  

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?

Mentors are experienced professionals who provide less experienced mentees in a similar industry or role with advice and guidance based on how the mentor succeeded in tackling issues or in navigating their own career. The primary value of mentoring to the client/mentee is receiving direct advice and guidance.

Coaches can stimulate awareness within their client of inner capability and resourcefulness they didn’t even know they had. In learning to find solutions for themselves, the client experiences increased confidence and resourcefulness that can serve them in future no matter what new challenge or issue they may face.