Is Coaching What You Need?
It's Awareness Friday!
Awareness Friday is a weekly invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with yourself, your values, and your desires. It's a space where I share insights, stories, and quiet reminders that a different life is possible. A life that feels like yours.
Whether you're in transition, feeling stuck, or simply longing for more alignment, these reflections are seeds. Let them land where they need to.
For this Awareness Friday, I want to talk about what coaching is and what it isn’t.
When people seek support, they often confuse coaching with mentoring, consulting, or therapy. Let’s break it down with an example:
Imagine Julie, who recently started a business but feels stuck. She’s unsure of her next steps. Who should she turn to?
𝕄𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕠𝕣:
A mentor is someone more advanced in your field or life path. They share their experiences, what worked for them, and what didn’t. They offer guidance and advice based on their personal journey.
⤏ If Julie works with a mentor, she’ll gain insights from someone who has been there before. Her mentor might help her avoid mistakes, like investing in the wrong tools, and provide direction based on lessons learned.
ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕝𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥:
A consultant is an expert in a specific field who creates a strategy or plan for a client. They offer solutions and clear action steps.
⤏ If Julie hires a consultant, she’ll get a structured business plan tailored to her goals, ideal clients, and market. The consultant might tell her, “To grow, you need to post videos on social media.”
⤏⤏ For example, with my 15+ years as an executive assistant, I could consult someone struggling with organization, offering systems, templates, and step-by-step guidance.
ℂ𝕠𝕒𝕔𝕙:
A coach helps clients find their own answers. Coaches believe that people are whole and capable, but may need support to uncover blind spots.
⤏ If Julie works with a business coach, she won’t be told what to do. Instead, the coach will help her explore what’s holding her back, whether it’s fear, mindset, or clarity.
What about therapy?
Therapists help clients understand why they have emotional or mental blocks. They provide tools for healing past traumas and deep psychological work.
When I studied at Jay Shetty Certification School, the first lesson was knowing when to refer. Coaches are not therapists, and it’s essential to recognize the boundary between coaching and mental health support.
Why am I sharing this?
I’ve heard too many stories of people misusing the title of “coach,” giving direct advice or telling clients what to do.
Yes, I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts. Some about cult start often to coaching offer to join a group of people.
But real coaching is a developer of who you really are, to empower you, not to trap you in a dependent relationship.
Have wonderful weekend. Try to rest…
With Gratitude,
Nina
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