The difference between Coaching vs. Mentoring vs. Therapy — and how all three can benefit you

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between coaching, therapy, and mentoring, and which may be the right option for you?

As someone who has worked with three coaches, two therapists and now being a coach myself, it’s my personal opinion that everyone can benefit from therapy, coaching and mentoring at certain times in their lives.

In this article, I break down what I see as the core differences between these three disciplines and how all three could benefit you.

Therapy vs. Coaching

Therapy focuses on healing the past while coaching helps a client to build a future.

I like this analogy: Imagine you’re getting ready to climb a huge mountain. You could either hire an expert guide (coach) for your expedition or a doctor (therapist). Which should you choose?

If you are in fragile health and would be in physical danger if you attempted the climb, a guide wouldn’t make the situation better. But a doctor would help you get back into shape before attempting the challenging feat. However, if you’re already healthy and just need someone to help you with climbing strategy, carrying the load of supplies and finding the best path, the guide would be…