Do You Need a Coach — Or Something Else? Navigating Coaching, Mentoring, and Therapy with Clarity

When people explore coaching, they often ask a well-intentioned but overly simple question:“Do I need a life coach or an executive coach?” But this binary doesn’t reflect the complexity of real life — or real coaching.

What we actually need is a clearer understanding of how different forms of support work, and how to choose the one that matches your context, goals, and readiness.

Let’s start with what coaching is — and what it isn’t.

Coaching is a reflective, forward-focused process that creates space for learning, clarity, and intentional change. It's not advice-giving, therapy, or mentoring (though at times it may overlap in spirit). Good coaching stays grounded in ethics, boundaries, and client-led outcomes. As a coach accredited by the EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council), I work within a code of ethics that honours the difference between coaching and other forms of support — because those distinctions matter.

Executive and Leadership Coaching: A Focus on Professional Growth

Executive and leadership coaching is designed for individuals navigating complexity in their careers — often in roles that require influence, visibility, and systemic impact.

It may be right for you if:

• You’re stepping into or out of a leadership role

• You’re navigating stakeholder complexity, identity, or presence at work

• You want to sharpen strategic thinking, communication, or decision-making

• You’re seeking clarity during a career transition or professional pivot

  
  

Executive coaching can include tools such as 360 feedback, workplace behavioural assessments, and structured reflections — all within a confidential, thought-provoking space. The coaching relationship is collaborative: you set the agenda, and I offer challenge, insight, and calm structure.

Coaching, Mentoring & Therapy: Why the Boundaries Matter

These three forms of support are sometimes confused — but they serve distinct functions:

Approach	Focus	Relationship
Coaching	Forward movement & clarity	Collaborative, client-led
Mentoring	Skill/experience transfer	Mentor shares expertise
Therapy	Healing past patterns	Clinician-led, diagnostic potential

While emotions often surface in coaching (especially in reflective or high-pressure work), it’s not a space for processing unresolved trauma. If deeper therapeutic needs emerge, a good coach will refer you to the appropriate professional support — ethically and with care.

How to Know if Coaching Is Right for You

Rather than asking what type of coach you need, consider:

• What outcomes are you hoping for?

  Do you want to lead with more confidence, explore your cultural identity in the workplace, navigate transition, or expand your influence?

  
  

• Are you ready for reflective, active engagement?

  Coaching isn’t done to you. It’s a partnership that requires willingness to be curious, challenged, and accountable.

  
  

• Do you want a space focused on your leadership presence, strategy, or systems awareness — not just goal setting?

  If so, executive or leadership coaching may be right for you.

What to Look for in a Coach

• Accreditation & Ethics

  Choose someone aligned with a professional body (like EMCC, ICF, or AC), who works within clear ethical boundaries.

  
  

• Style & Fit

  Coaching is personal. Choose a coach whose energy, approach, and values align with yours.

  
  

• Experience with your context

  Particularly if you work in high-stakes or identity-influenced environments — e.g., NHS, education, cross-cultural teams — you’ll want a coach who understands nuance, not just frameworks.

Final Thought

You don’t need to fit yourself into a label. You need a space that reflects your reality and supports your growth — whether that’s stepping into leadership, navigating uncertainty, or redefining your professional identity.

The most useful question isn’t “Do I need a life coach or executive coach?”It’s “What kind of support will help me move forward, reflect deeply, and grow with intention?”

If you’re ready to explore that question — I’d love to support you.

Jasmine Gill EMCC-Accredited Executive & Leadership Coach www.evolvexplore.com