We’re living in a golden age of support. Therapy, coaching, mentoring, consulting; there’s never been more help available to guide us through life’s twists and turns.

But with so many options, it’s natural to wonder:

"What kind of support do I really need?"
"Is a coach right for me, or would I be better off seeing a therapist?"

The answer? It depends; not just on what you’re facing, but on how you want to move through it.

Let’s break it down gently.

Therapy vs Coaching: Past vs Possibility

A therapist often helps us make sense of the past; untangling old patterns, healing wounds, and bringing awareness to the ways our early experiences shape our present choices.

A coach, on the other hand, starts with where you are now and gently asks:

"Where do you want to go next?"

Therapy is about healing.
Coaching is about creating.

They both honour your humanity. They both require courage. But they serve slightly different seasons of life.

The key difference is that a therapist will help you heal from past experiences that are holding you back.

A coach will help you become more present and create your desired future.

What About Mentors and Consultants?

A mentor typically has walked the road before you. They offer wisdom from personal experience and guide you through a particular field, industry or craft. It’s a relationship based on guidance and storytelling.

A consultant brings expertise to solve a specific problem. It’s often very structured; they analyse, advise, and deliver a solution you can implement.

A coach won’t tell you what to do. Instead, they’ll ask questions that invite you to discover your own answers; often ones you didn’t know you were carrying.

The Coaching Space: It’s Not About Fixing You

A good coach doesn’t presume to be above you or ahead of you. They’re not there to tell you how to live, or who to become.

They’re trained to hold space. To listen without judgement. To ask questions that gently pull at the threads of your thinking; until you see what’s underneath.

And the beauty of it?
You’re the one who does the unravelling.
You’re the one who discovers the clarity.

"A great coach will listen deeply with empathy and non-judgement, and give you the space to find your own answers."

So Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re carrying unresolved trauma, anxiety, or emotional wounds that feel heavy — a therapist may be best placed to support your healing.

If you’re feeling ready to move forward but unsure how; a coach may help you create clarity and momentum.

If you need specific guidance in a particular field; a mentor or consultant might be just what you need.

And sometimes? The right person is someone who wears a few hats.

I’m a coach, but I also bring elements of mentoring, when appropriate. Especially if you’re navigating transitions I’ve experienced myself.

What matters most is not the label; it’s whether you feel seen, safe, and supported.

P.S. You can have a taste of working with me as you explore what is the right fit for you. There’s no pressure. Just a space to talk, and see what unfolds.