Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between coaching and counseling? How is coaching and mentoring different?

The International Coaching Federation is the leading organization for certifying coaches and they define coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." A coach guides clients through developing skill sets to reach a specific and clarified goal. Most coaches have a specialization, such as a career coach, empowerment coach, leadership coach, relationship coach etc.

Generally, the purpose of life coaching is to identify clear and concrete goals and actively partner with clients to achieve them. Working with a coach is usually a short-term engagement that can range from one month to one year. The main function of a coach is to provide tools for a client to move from one state of being to the next, making progress toward their goal.

Psychotherapy on the other hand, has more clinical-based approaches to the treatment of mental health that includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and other disorders. Therapists help clients process and heal from past hurts and trauma. They also help with crisis intervention or grief counseling. Therapy is often a longer-term engagement with no specified end date.