WHAT IS COACHING?

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is distinct from other helping professions such as counseling, mentoring, or spiritual direction because it is a forward-focused, thought-to-action-oriented process that helps individuals clarify goals, overcome obstacles, make decision, and intentional gains in personal, relational, vocational and/or missional growth.   

To better understand “what is coaching” let’s look at what it is NOT…

Unlike counseling, which often focuses on healing past traumas or diagnosing present psychological issues, coaching works with emotionally stable individuals who maybe stuck and are ready to move forward.

Time Orientation Analogy

• Counselor: Often past-focused—healing old wounds, understanding origins of behavior, or resolving trauma.
• Coach: Future-focused—clarifying vision, setting goals, and taking action to fulfill your mission.

Unlike a mentor who shares wisdom based on personal experience, a coach draws out the client’s insights through strategic questioning and accountability.

Education Analogy

• Mentor: Like a trusted professor who shares what they’ve learned, gives perspective, and invites you into their field of experience.
• Coach: Like a personalized tutor who helps you learn how you think, grow, and act. They focus on drawing out your potential and building your confidence.

Unlike spiritual direction, which centers on discerning God’s voice and presence in one’s interior life, coaching helps clients align their desires, habits, and decisions with their values, identity, and mission.

Garden Analogy

• Spiritual Director: Helps you become more attentive to how the Divine Gardener is tending your soul—through seasons of dryness, fruitfulness, or hidden growth.
• Coach: Helps you design and cultivate your life garden—identifying gifts, pruning unhelpful habits, and planning growth.