coaching vs. consulting vs. therapy

Consulting is a relationship between a client and the consultant where the consultant represents the expert. The consultant brings skills, domain expertise, and a track record of success in an area the client desires to create.  The consultant is called upon for their specific knowledge and experience. The consultant is an expert who has “been there and done that.”

In coaching, the client possesses all of the knowledge, skills, and experience required. A coach believes all answers exist within the client, and their responsibility as a coach is to assist the client in seeing themselves and their world differently.

When a coach assists the client to shift their perspective, the client will produce different ideas about themselves and reality. The client will generate different thoughts about their situation and, ultimately, will identify new solutions to their problems or pathways to the opportunities they seek.

How does coaching compare to consulting or mentoring?
Consider this oversimplified yet useful analogy, originally shared with me by Susan Carlisle, a dear friend and mentor.

Let's suppose you want to learn to ride a bike.

A consultant is an expert in bike riding. They’ve already mastered the bike riding process and figured out the most efficient way to do things. They will typically assess what you’ve been doing so far and provide you with a detailed manual on how to do it correctly, complete with a step by step process.

A mentor has been riding a bike for quite some time and is there to share what they know about the process. They want to see you be successful and are willing to spend time with you, sharing their lessons and experiences along the way.

A coach offers a different type of relationship altogether. They ask questions to identify what you already know and dispel what's holding you back. They run alongside you while you're learning - encouraging, challenging, and acknowledging you every step of the way - and when you're ready to ride solo, they let go and cheer you on from behind.

Having experience wearing all three hats, I find myself blending these modalities to best serve my clients.

​How does coaching compare to therapy?
Here is a comparison diagram by Sebastian Slovin.  Since the focus of each is different, I have successfully worked with clients who are seeing therapists in parallel - the work is complementary.

Source: Sebastian Slovin