Coaching, Therapy, Mentoring,
What difference ?
Coaching and its alternatives
In a previous blog, we explored some good reasons to invest in a coach’s services.
But could there actually be poor reasons for hiring a coach? In which situations might other professionals be more effective? Coaches, mentors, therapists, psychotherapists, trainers… the differences are sometimes blurred, yet they are crucial.
Coach – Psychologist – Mentor – Advisor
The Differences at a Glance
Advisor : Shares their knowledge to help the advisee make informed decisions
Mentor : Shares their expertise and offers guidance to help the mentee develop their skills
Psychologist : Helps the patient gain a better understanding of their issues and improve their well-being
Coach : Stimulates and encourages open reflection by asking targeted questions, supporting the coachee in finding the most suitable solution for their own situation
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The coach
Originally, the word “coaching,” derived from the English “coach,” which in turn comes from the French word “coche” (such as a stagecoach), means bringing a person from point A to point B.
Coaching can therefore be seen as the art of guiding a person towards achieving their personal or professional goal, by unlocking their potential and enabling them to progress while remaining in control of their choices. It relies on tools that facilitate reflective processes, acquired through thorough coach training, as well as on the coach’s own life and management experience.
The coach does not typically provide “recipes,” but instead facilitates the emergence and development of a tailored solution, perfectly suited to the coachee’s needs.
The coach aims to stimulate the creation of new ideas and solutions in the present moment, focusing on the “WHAT?” and the “HOW?”.
The coach’s goal is to enhance the coachee’s self-confidence, raise awareness, and increase accountability, enabling them to develop their own potential.
Therapy / Psychotherapy or Coaching ?
The difference between coaching and therapy is a broad and often highly debated topic.
For some, coaching focuses primarily on the present and future (what? how?), while therapy tends to address healing emotional wounds from the past, the “why?”.
For others, coaching is essentially results-oriented, focusing on the goals to be achieved and the actions to be taken, which may not be the case with therapy.
The number and duration of sessions also differ. A therapy session generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Coaching sessions are often longer but limited in number, typically between 3 and 6–7 sessions.
Coaching is intended for individuals in good mental health. This notion of “good mental health” might seem abstract to some and open to endless debate, but let’s simply say that a coachee should inform their coach if they are undergoing therapeutic treatment, especially if they have a prescription for medication. In any case, this question will be explored by the coach during the initial contact.
Therapy / Psychotherapy or Coaching ?
The difference between coaching and therapy is a broad and often highly debated topic.
For some, coaching focuses primarily on the present and future (what? how?), while therapy tends to address healing emotional wounds from the past, the “why?”.
For others, coaching is essentially results-oriented, focusing on the goals to be achieved and the actions to be taken, which may not be the case with therapy.
The number and duration of sessions also differ. A therapy session generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Coaching sessions are often longer but limited in number, typically between 3 and 6–7 sessions.
Coaching is intended for individuals in good mental health. This notion of “good mental health” might seem abstract to some and open to endless debate, but let’s simply say that a coachee should inform their coach if they are undergoing therapeutic treatment, especially if they have a prescription for medication. In any case, this question will be explored by the coach during the initial contact.
Mentor (Advisor) or Coach ?
Coaching is often confused with mentoring today. In Greek mythology, Ulysses entrusts his son, Telemachus, to his old friend “Mentor” (that’s his name), to guide him in his choices and act as his tutor. The mentor is therefore a kind of advisor, experienced in a specific field, who supports another person, often younger and/or less experienced.
The essential difference with a coach is that a mentor provides expert advice, often drawn from their own experience, but does not necessarily aim to develop the client’s abilities, potential, or self-awareness.
A mentor can also act as a role model for someone, like a teacher, friend, superior, or even an idol.
Trainer or Coach ?
While coaching responds to the coachee’s expressed desire for success and self-fulfilment, training is more about learning behaviours to apply in specific situations.
Trainer or Coach
While coaching responds to the coachee’s expressed desire for success and self-fulfilment, training is more about learning behaviours to apply in specific situations.
Consultant or Coach ?
Positioned between the roles of coach, mentor, and trainer, the consultant can complement coaching when expert advice is needed in their area of expertise.
So… ? Coach or Therapist or Mentor ?
I hope this information helps you make the right choice based on your situation. The objective of these professions is the same: to help. Each speciality is valuable within its field, and generally, aside from a few self-proclaimed gurus, these roles are carried out by professionals.
The essential thing are :
- to be clear about your needs
- to find out about the areas of expertise of the professionals involved
- and to make an informed choice
Life coach for executives and managers. Professional development, Mental Fitness workshop, work-life balance coach and emotional resilience coach, InterQualia Flow assessment. Certified coach in Switzerland, Lausanne, Yverdon, Geneva and Online. France & Canada © 2018 – 2025 – Design and production Alternatives and Transitions Coaching