There is often confusion over the differences with coaching, counselling, consulting and mentoring, and while they all have some common links each one addresses a different need.
Counselling:
Usually looks to the past and investigates the roots and causes of mental or emotional trauma. Coaching may look to the past to find what may be holding back the client, but always with the goal of moving towards the future in order to make a good life even better. Coaching is so popular because it works to explore future possibilities and solutions, rather than encouraging you to dig into past memories or experiences. Coaching is about getting you from where you are now to a future you want.
Consulting
Is where an expert gives advice and has the answers and solutions. The consultant holds the agenda, communicates knowledge and offers suggestions to improve effectiveness. Coaches act on the basis that the person who knows the most about your life and work is you and works with you to uncover more of that knowledge.
Mentoring
Is where the mentor often has many more years of experience, and acts as a role model. The client sees attributes, qualities or abilities in the mentor that they wish to learn or copy. Coaching is a partnering of two equals that focuses on the unique and essential qualities already within the client, that the client may not be aware of, recognise or appreciate. The coach helps the client to connect with these qualities.
