Difference Between a Coach, Therapist, and Mentor
I’m often asked what the differences are between a Coach, Therapist, and Mentor. As someone who has worked with all three throughout my life (sometimes together), I believe that everyone can reap the benefits from all three at different times in life.
My goal here is to clarify the fundamental distinctions between all three and help you make a well-informed decision on which approach can benefit you the most in your journey, whether it is for self-growth, self-discovery, or reclaiming your true self!
Trained/certified Coaches help you build practices for mental fitness by utilizing methodology and approach that are rooted in positive psychology. They can help you with personal as well as professional goals by focusing on the present and the future. Coaching can also be a great supplement to your mental health care alongside a therapist. Coaching is usually more focused on achieving specific results and typically takes place over a shorter duration of time.
Therapists require state credentialing and are equipped to treat mental illness or provide clinical care for mental health conditions. They help with personal or family issues by focusing on the past (trauma, etc.) and healing from it. Therapy is typically continued until the client no longer feels the need for it, which may take several years, especially if the trauma or pain runs deep.
Mentors don’t necessarily have formal education or credentialing. Most tend to focus on career and professional growth by drawing on their own experiences to serve as a guide and sounding board for you. They encourage new ways for you (mentees) to grow in your own career and can advise on professional challenges or roadblocks. They can also facilitate network and connections to help build social capital. Mentor also don’t need to be real people in real life! You can gain wisdom from mentors who share via blogs, vlogs, podcasts, etc.
All three work on creating long-lasting behavior changes and are invested in helping you better yourself. Each also have their own specialties or areas of expertise. A good coach/therapist/mentor is skilled and intentional at holding a safe space for you to be heard and listened to…a neutral, supportive space where there’s no judgement.
As a certified and trained Empowerment Coach, I help you channel your inner badass and thrive through your current situation with fearless authenticity. We do that via a series of 1:1 coaching sessions over the phone or Zoom. Let’s help you create a new and resilient future! Click HERE to get started!
