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autumn trees along a path with any overlay of text that says coaching vs. consulting

Coaching Vs.
Consulting

Comparing Coaching, Consulting, Mentoring, & Therapy

COACH

A coach walks with you at your own pace, curious about your experience of the path. They ask what excites you about this journey, whether you enjoy the view, and what you hope to get from the walk. If you stumble, the coach is there to ask what you need in that moment to get back up. They help you reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what would make your next steps more enjoyable. Whether you decide to walk for the pleasure of it, or you aim to reach a specific destination, the coach supports your discovery of how you want to walk your own path. They help you design a plan to continue, guiding you based on your own goals and preferences, while always checking in to make sure you’re finding value in the journey.

2

CONSULTANT

A consultant walks ahead of you on the path, studying the terrain, the incline, and the weather conditions. They explain how the terrain will affect your footing and what strategies will help you maintain your balance. They give you precise instructions on where to step, what shoes to wear, and may even suggest a training program to improve your stamina or gear. They analyze the journey in detail, ensuring that you have the best tools and knowledge to move forward.

3

MENTOR

 A mentor has walked this path many times before. They share their experiences, giving advice on the best shortcuts, where the path gets tricky, and how to handle any rough patches. They model how they walked the path and give you practical tips on how to move efficiently. They might suggest ways to improve your walking technique, share their favorite routes, and give you advice on avoiding the hazards they encountered along their own journey.

4

THERAPIST

A therapist walks beside you, discussing the roots of your hesitations about starting down the path. They help you explore why certain stretches seem harder for you, whether past experiences or fears are causing you to pause, and what might be holding you back. They help you heal the mental and emotional potholes along your journey, offering insight into how your past may influence your progress on the path today.

Original inspiration from "What is Coaching? Like Riding a Bike  by Laurie Dupar International ADHD Coaching Training Center, iACTcenter, lifecoachheidi.com

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