How is coaching different from consulting? Therapy? My best friend?
Coaching and consulting are very similar, but they are not the same thing. The main difference between a coach and a consultant is that a consultant comes into the relationship as a diagnostician. In other words, a consultant is hired to “fix” a specific problem. A coach is there to support and guide the client to achieve goals, not to fix problems. Again, the Personal Development Coach believes that the client knows what he or she wants to do and simply needs coaching to get there. Coaching is not therapy. The coaching relationship is based on the premise that the client is emotionally well balanced and is capable of dealing with emotions and life issues in a healthy way. A client may be in therapy at the same time he or she is receiving coaching, and the two can complement each other, but coaching should not substitute for psychotherapy. Life coaches do not delve into the client’s history or explore deeper issues of “why” the client behaves in a certain way.
Related Questions
- How is personal coaching and executive coaching different from consulting, therapy, mentoring, sports coaching, or a best friend? How does coaching work?
- How is coaching different from consulting, mentoring, therapy, or having a really great "best" friend?
- How is coaching different from consulting or therapy or even a best friend?
