Key Distinction: What Coaching Is Not

Delimiting the Professional Practice

Having explored various definitions of what coaching is, it is equally crucial to clearly differentiate what it is not.

This distinction is critical because of a growing problem in the profession: the emergence of many people who adopt the title "coach" without adhering to the methodology and fundamental principles of this discipline.

Confusing coaching with other practices not only dilutes its value, but also generates incorrect expectations in clients.

Understanding these differences protects both the professional and the coachee, ensuring that coaching is used when it is the right tool and not as a substitute for other necessary interventions.

Coaching Is Not Giving Advice or Being a Confessor

Contrary to popular belief, coaching is not about giving advice. The coach is not an expert who dictates solutions to the coachee.

The essence of coaching lies in facilitating a process of self-discovery, where it is the client himself who finds his answers and designs his strategies. Nor is it the role of the coach to act as a friend or confessor.

Although the relationship is based on trust and empathy, it maintains a professional structure focused on the achievement of goals and the development of potential, not simply on emotional relief or informal social support.

The coach uses a specific methodology to guide the client's reflection and action.

Coaching is not training, consulting or therapy.

It is also important to distinguish coaching from training or lecturing.

While training focuses on the unidirectional transmission of knowledge or specific skills, coaching is an interactive process where learning comes from the coachee himself, guided by the coach's questions and tools. It is not about transferring knowledge, but facilitating it.

Similarly, it is not consulting, where an expert analyzes a problem and proposes concrete solutions.

Nor is it psychological therapy; although it may touch on emotional aspects, coaching focuses on the present and future for the achievement of goals and does not address psychological pathologies or explore the past in depth as therapy would.

There are many professions that mistakenly masquerade under the label of coaching, but it is vital to recognize that this discipline has a unique methodology and approach focused on guided personal growth.

Summary

It is crucial to differentiate coaching from other practices to protect its value and avoid incorrect client expectations. There is a problem of practitioners using the title without adhering to the fundamental methodology.

Coaching is not giving advice or acting as a confessor; the coach does not dictate solutions, but facilitates the client's process of self-discovery. It maintains a professional structure focused on the achievement of objectives.

It is neither training (it does not transfer unidirectional knowledge) nor consulting (it does not propose expert solutions). And, crucially, it is not therapy; it focuses on the present/future and does not address pathologies.