Dear community, what is your view on the difference between coaching and how it differs from other ‘similar helping professions’.
I do think it’s nuanced.
Paradoxically, though I offer here, in general simple terms, the #earthconverse hiking route metaphor in a nutshell.
Feel free to use, expand, amend or challenge it!
🌱Mentoring: I’ve done this route before, I can show you the way if you like.
🌱Counselling/Therapeutic: Tell me about your previous hiking experiences on this route.
🌱Teaching: This is what you will need to know about hiking this route.
🌱Consulting: Here are the hiking route options you can take. I recommend you go on this one.
🌱Coaching: Given your hiking objectives, what route option do you want to choose?
In their own style, each will be your cheerleader, mirror and guide.
And generally, coaching is the only one focused on helping you raise your consciousness and reclaim your sovereignty to explore your own solutions. For it shines a light on what we experience and think, through asking more than telling.
Of course, mentors for example, may use a coaching style. There may be coaches who offer specific advice. Coaches, mentors, teachers or consultants may have a therapeutic background..and so it goes.
The important thing is that each will be clear as to what they can and cannot offer, and what ‘hat’ they are wearing at any one time.
Coaching Journeys
Let me know what you think about the above.
And if you would like to be a coach in service of people and planet, consider signing up for the Earth Converse Coaching Journey.