What is Coaching anyway? Why would I see a coach?
What is coaching? Why coaching? Is it the same as counseling? These are great questions and I cover all of these questions plus a few others you maybe haven’t thought about like, “What about consulting and mentoring?” Coaching, counseling, consulting, and mentoring are the main areas in the "helping" field. Now, let's explore coaching and its distinctions from the other approaches.
Coaching is a helping approach that involves walking alongside individuals with curiosity and collaboration, rather than leading individuals to where the helper thinks you should go. Yes, get the idea of “coach” as the High School football dictator wearing tight shorts and a whistle out of your head. It focuses on guiding individuals toward their desired goals and becoming the person they want to be. Coaching uses skills similar to counseling but is not directive like consulting and mentoring. Let me give a simple breakdown below of the 4 types of helping fields out there:
Consulting: Provides advice based on expertise, offering options and suggestions without making decisions for the individual. Similar to a doctor diagnosing and prescribing treatment options.
Mentoring: Offers guidance and wisdom, often based on more experience in a specific area, to help individuals move towards success or potential success. Like a parent, preacher, or teacher imparting wisdom for the individual to implement.
Counseling: Involves working with individuals from a state of pain or emotional distress towards healing. Focuses on skills of care, such as asking questions, providing space for emotions, and processing through past wounds.
Coaching: Collaboratively walks alongside individuals, relying on their expertise in themselves. Uses skills to draw out emotions, feelings, and thoughts, helping individuals gain clarity and overcome hurdles towards personal growth and development.
For visual learners, refer to the chart below with the explanation of the x and y axis. The primary goal of coaching is not to direct or lead you somewhere, nor is it focused on providing healing from past issues. As a coach, I value your agency and believe that you possess greater knowledge about yourself than I do about you. My role is more like a guide, assisting you in navigating your current challenges or uncertainties, and walking with you towards a more successful and fulfilling future.
Coaching, Counseling, Consulting, or Mentoring Visual
The diagram above helps provide a visual for what was explained above. Please know that I spend a few minutes answering any questions you might have about this in our first session.
X-Axis: The diagram illustrates an X-axis, a horizontal line. On the left side, it represents past pain points that continue to affect the present. On the right side, it symbolizes future potential and solutions to overcome a stagnant situation or improve the present state. This line emphasizes the direction of care, focusing on moving from past struggles towards a more flourishing future, while acknowledging the significance of the present state.
Y-Axis: The vertical line in the diagram represents a Y-axis. At the bottom, it signifies a more directive approach, where advice and suggestions are provided to guide actions or decisions. Conversely, the top part of the Y-axis represents a curious and collaborative approach to assistance. This line emphasizes the tone of care, with a focus on encouraging exploration and working collaboratively towards growth and development.
Regardless of the type of help you require, there are different areas that cater to various needs. Mentors and consultants may not always be suitable for counseling or coaching, while counselors can transition to coaching but may be more inclined to address past pain points. As a coach, my objective is to listen to the possibilities for positive change and progress together with you. If you are interested in working with me, please click the link below to fill out a form. I'll get back to you within 48 hours.