What is the difference between Consulting, Coaching and Counseling also referred to as Therapy?

Books and long magazine articles have been written on this topic and you might want to enter this question into a search engine.    The ICF defines Coaching in this way; “Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” Coaching is often contrast with counseling or therapy. Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Coaching, on the other hand, is intended to help individuals with a typical level of functionality achieve personal goals in specific areas of their lives. 

Coaching

 Coaching can be utilized to help individuals and couples achieve their goals and address impedances to what they desire for their lives and relationships.  Coaching is very direct and focused on achieving goals and moving beyond or eliminating barriers.  The nature of Coaching assumes a level of functionality and health on the part of the participants.  It deals with the present and what is the desired outcome(s) for the future.  The past is only referenced for understanding and context. Should the Life Coach suspect more internal dynamics such as physical, emotional or cognitive issues may be impeding or frustrating to the pursuit of identified goals, the Coach would refer the client(s) to a mental health professional or psychiatric professional for evaluation and assessment. Once these issues are being addressed or have been eliminated as factors, the coach can now help the client(s) in the pursuit of their identified goals. 

In simple terms, a coach asks the right questions to help their client determine values, goals and then means and steps to achieve what the client desires.  The coach offers reflections, accountability and feedback to the client and they walk a flexible journey together.   The Coach is by nature, proactive as opposed to reactive and active as opposed to passive, always striving to create movement toward the client’s goals. 

Consulting

The consulting we do is for small businesses and organizations.  Organizations and businesses have a goal, an end result that is measured to determine their success and effectiveness.  A consultant steps in as an objective third party to help an organization or business become more effective, more efficient and more functional in its pursuit of it’s goals and mission.  For a small business for example, the goal is to make a profit from it’s goods or services.  A consultant may come in and look at efficiency, communication, good business practices and other dynamics to help the business more effectively and profitably do what it does. 

Consulting often will also involve coaching.  Coaching in this context wouldhelp an individual or team in their execution of the business’ goals.