“I helped a man climb a mountain and found that I too had reached the top”
Bob Proctor
How I define Coaching
I need to call it like it is. In 2025, I believe the coaching industry is a terrifying minefield of dangerous practitioners ranging from snakeoil salesman praying upon the vulnerable, all the way to unskilled, biased and therefore irresponsible novices, all masquerading as "Coach".
I do not mean to suggest all have ill-intentions. I think many have incredible intentions, but lack proper skills and ability to remain un-attached to support their client the way that is needed.
And this can become dangerous. Imagine a coach who cheers on the dream: "I should quit my stable job with benefits and a pension to start an entrepreneurial venture with 3 kids and a mortgage". With a proper business plan and consultation with their loved ones, perhaps. I hope you see my point.
Many call themselves Coach who are poorly trained, contain deep personal wounds and biases, or are straying far from pure coaching philosophies, into advising and mentoring.
Here are some roles below, and they are all different:
- Coach
- Consultant
- Advisor
- Mentor
- Teacher
- Counsellor
A consultant or advisor provides a solution to a problem from a place of knowledge and authority. A mentor guides someone along a similar path. A teacher imparts knowledge. A counsellor helps a person heal psychological wounds.
So, what can a Coach do?
The power of transformative conversation can be traced back to great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle and Socrates. Coaching provides a space and relational system to think, process, and create. Through having space held, being powerfully questioned, and evoking new awarenesses, the coaching setting creates change in the person.
Though coaching is not intended to heal the person, I have found coaching to be inherently healing. Coaching is rooted in the present and generates momentum into the future. And I have found that when my present perspective changes, pain from my past is softened.
Thomas Leonard stated “Coaching doesn’t make sick people well… it helps healthy people become extra-ordinary.”
That is not to say that coaching is only for healthy people. I believe the self-awareness journey is about knowing where you are, what your needs are, and seeking the appropriate modalities of support.
Over the last 10 years, I have found counselling immensely helpful. I have found teachers and mentorships necessary for my growth. When I cannot find solutions to my problems, I seek the help of consultants. And yet, coaching allows me to generate forward momentum.
I believe that at different times in our lives, we need relationships, partnerships, therapists, teachers, mentors, consultants, and coaches to help us realize our greatest potential.
I am Coach. I cannot teach you how to live your life, or heal your wounds, or tell you the best solution to your problem. That is not what I am here to do as Coach.
What I can do is hold a space of unconditional acceptance. Within a safe and trusting environment, I can hold a mirror in front of you and shine light on your dark spots.
If you invite me in, I will be there. Don't try asking me what you should do, as I will playfully (or forcefully) turn the question right back to you.
This is your one, beautiful, magnificent life to live, and it will be your choice of what it is you will do.
If you invite me along, I would be honoured to walk your path with you. However, the coaching relationship must go both ways. It's got to be a good fit.
As I love to say: it takes two to tango.
Keep shining,
Jennifer
