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Coach, Mentor, or Therapist: Who Do You Need for Your Next Step?

Writer: Kelly BuckleyKelly Buckley

When life feels overwhelming, and you're ready to make changes but aren't sure where to start, it’s normal to wonder who can best guide you. Should you turn to a coach, mentor, or therapist? While each role offers support, they provide it in very different ways. Let’s break down the key differences so you can find the best fit for your needs.


What Does a Coach Do?

A coach is focused on the future and helping you create actionable steps toward your goals. As a coach, I work with women who are feeling stuck or burned out and want to regain control of their time, finances, and confidence. My job is to guide you in maximizing each day, breaking down goals into manageable steps, and holding you accountable for the changes you want to make. Coaching is about forward movement, helping you decide where you want to go and giving you the tools to get there.

Coaching is perfect for you if:

  • You're feeling stuck and need clarity on how to move forward.

  • You have specific goals (whether personal or professional) but struggle to make progress on your own.

  • You want someone to keep you accountable and motivated.


What About Mentors?

Mentors, on the other hand, are people who have already walked the path you're on. They share their experience and wisdom, providing guidance from their personal journey. A mentor offers advice based on their lived experience, helping you navigate challenges that they have successfully overcome.

Mentoring is perfect for you if:

  • You want advice from someone who has been where you are and can offer insights from their experience.

  • You're looking for a long-term relationship with someone to support your growth over time.

  • You value learning from someone else’s personal success or mistakes.


How Does Therapy Differ?

Therapy, unlike coaching or mentoring, focuses on your past. It’s about healing, working through emotional or psychological issues, and overcoming trauma or mental health challenges. Therapists are licensed professionals trained to help you navigate things like anxiety, depression, grief, or unresolved issues from your past. Therapy dives deep into understanding "why" you feel or behave a certain way and is usually a longer process.

Therapy is perfect for you if:

  • You’re dealing with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.

  • You need a safe space to process difficult emotions or past experiences.

  • You want professional help to overcome emotional barriers.


Finding the Right Fit

It’s important to understand that each of these roles serves a specific purpose, and sometimes, you may need more than one. For example, you might work with a therapist to heal from a past experience while also seeking out a coach to help you move forward with future goals. Knowing the differences can help you confidently choose the right person to support you in your journey.


As both a coach and mentor, I help you focus on what’s ahead while offering the personal guidance of someone who has been where you are. My goal is to empower you to take action, build the life you want, and grow with confidence. Whether you need help creating more time for yourself, strengthening your self-belief, or achieving financial freedom, I’m here to guide you through each step. Together, we’ll navigate your unique journey and move you forward toward the life you truly desire.

 
 
 

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