Coaching vs. Therapy, Mentoring, and Venting to Your BFF: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered “What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?” or “I have a mentor, do I also need a coach?” If so, you are not alone.
Although awareness of professional coaching is on the rise, awareness doesn’t always lead to understanding. The term “coaching” gets used in so many contexts that it’s easy to misinterpret what coaches actually do.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and talking to friends or family so you can choose the right kind of support for your goals.
Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences
Therapy helps people navigate clinical mental health challenges. It often (though not always) focuses on healing, diagnosis, and support for folks whose daily life or functioning is impacted. Therapists are licensed professionals who can diagnose, treat, and guide recovery from mental health concerns.
Coaching is not therapy.
Coaches do not diagnose or treat mental illness.
While we may look to the past for insights, our focus is on helping you optimize and move forward.
We work on creating strategies, building confidence, and achieving future goals.
Part of a coach’s professional and ethical responsibility is knowing when to refer a client to a mental health professional.
Coaching vs. Mentoring
Mentors are usually seasoned professionals who share advice based on their own experience. They might be an expert in your industry or have a career path you admire. Mentoring often sounds like: “Here’s what worked for me, and here’s how you can do it too.”
Coaching is different.
It’s not about the coach’s path; it’s about your unique path.
Mentoring can feel hierarchical; coaching is collaborative and client-led.
Coaches are experts in the process of coaching, you are the expert in your own life.
Instead of telling you what to do or giving advice, a coach partners with you to clarify your goals, uncover obstacles, and take meaningful action steps.
Coaching vs. Family & Friends
Sometimes we just need to vent and loved ones are great at offering comfort. But they’re not trained to listen and help you move forward in an unbiased way.
Have you ever hung up after talking to a friend or parent and felt more confused or frustrated? Often, they tell us what they think we “should” do based on their own values, experiences, and fears.
Coaches are objective.
We ask powerful, clarifying questions.
We help you move from stuck to unstuck.
We guide you in setting meaningful and achievable goals
Which One is Right for You?
Each approach, therapy, mentoring, coaching, and of course heartfelt conversations with family and friends has value. The right fit depends on what you need right now:
Therapy: Best for healing from past trauma, addressing mental health challenges, or working through emotional distress.
Mentoring: Ideal for gaining industry-specific advice from someone who’s been where you want to go.
Coaching: Perfect for gaining clarity, setting goals, and building momentum toward the future you want.
Ready to Explore Coaching?
If you’re curious about whether coaching is right for you, let’s talk.
Contact me to schedule a complimentary Discovery Call.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before we start!