When I talk about coaching people often times seem to confuse the meaning of it. Many feel that coaching is something they only know from sports, or mistake it for psychotherapy or similar disciplines.

This article should help explain what coaching is not – and what it really is all about.

What coaching is not

Coaching is not Psycho-Therapy, Counseling, Mentoring or Consultancy. Below are some examples to make the difference between these disciplines more clear:

• A Therapist might work with those who are seen as “damaged” or “dysfunctional” in some way as a result of a previous trauma or experience which makes their day-to-day lives very difficult for them; a Therapist might thus help a Client to explore their past to uncover what is stopping them from what they want to do

• A Counselor might work with those who are experiencing significant levels of distress which is impacting their everyday life; a Counselor might thus listen to the concerns and anxieties Clients have about what they want to achieve

• A Mentor might work with those who are seeking direction from someone with experience and knowledge in the same area; a Mentor thus is likely to share their own experience on what the Client wants to achieve, while offering handy tips and hints to help them

• A Consultant might work with those who are looking to diagnose the problems they are facing and recommend the solution to their current challenges; a Consultant is thus likely to give the Client clear, logical advice about how to best achieve what they are looking for

So what does a coach do then?

A Coach works with those who have a wish to move forward in their lives and meet their ambitions; a Coach will thus encourage and support the Client while they are working towards their goals and achievements so that the Client becomes the best achievers they can be.

We are just not aware of the opportunity or possibility whereby we can unleash it. Some of us feel it and know it, but sadly don’t believe it can become a reality. That’s the difference between being the author of our lives instead of it being scripted by others. We are all put on this earth with a purpose and a passion in life. What is yours? What do you really want? What do you really need? What is preventing you from having it?

Read more on coaching on Wikipedia and on About.com and the Harvard Business Review for coaching that relates to the corporate environment.