Mentoring, Coaching, & Therapy: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to personal and professional growth, the terms mentoring, coaching, and therapy are often used interchangeably. However, they each serve distinct purposes. Understanding these differences can help you determine which service best fits your needs.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a professional relationship in which an experienced individual shares knowledge, advice, and guidance to support the growth of someone newer to a field. As a mentor, I help therapists who are new to private practice navigate the challenges of building and growing their business. This includes practical advice, sharing personal experiences, and offering encouragement. My role is to provide insight based on my own journey, helping you avoid common pitfalls and fast-track your success.

Mentoring is for you if:

• You’re a new therapist starting a private practice.

• You need guidance from someone who has successfully built their own practice.

• You’re looking for personalized advice and encouragement to grow your business.

Coaching

Coaching is goal-oriented and focuses on developing specific skills or strategies to achieve a desired outcome. In my coaching services, I help therapists successfully hire and integrate interns into their private practices. Coaching is more structured than mentoring and often includes actionable steps, accountability, and measurable results.

Coaching is for you if:

• You’re an established therapist looking to expand your practice.

• You want to hire interns but are unsure where to start.

• You need a clear, step-by-step plan to bring interns into your business effectively.

Therapy

Therapy is a professional service focused on emotional and psychological well-being. It helps individuals process emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop coping strategies for mental health challenges. Therapy is conducted by licensed professionals and may involve deep work on trauma, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth.

Therapy is for you if:

• You’re seeking support for emotional or psychological concerns.

• You need help navigating personal challenges affecting your mental health.

• You want to explore deeper personal growth and healing beyond professional development.

Which Service is Right for You?

If you’re a therapist looking for guidance on starting or expanding your private practice, mentoring or coaching may be the right fit. If you’re struggling with emotional well-being, therapy would be more appropriate.

Still unsure? Let’s connect and discuss your needs to find the best path forward for you.