Energy Coaching

Lately many people have been asking me what’s the difference between Coaching, Consulting, Theraphy, Mentoring, and I will add this one for our amusement, Parenting.

So, I thought I would use the analogies of riding a bike to explain it…

Consultant:  Studies the mechanics of riding the bike.  Teaches you the laws of physics, how the bike moves, what is necessary for you to keep your balance, etc.  A consultant tells you where to sit and where to put your feet and when to pedal.  Then she/he leaves.  Consultants are necessary when an expert on the field of bike riding is needed.

Therapist:  Discusses the basis for your fears about riding the bike.  Also, discusses if your parents rode bikes and why that might be important.  Explains why it is important for your self-steem to ride the bike.  Therapists are very useful when there is a ton of baggage that may be impeding you from riding the bike.

Parent: Buys the bike for you.  They put on the training wheels and take them off when they think you are ready.  Runs alongside the bike holding it until you have the balance to continue on your own and then cheers as you go off into the sunset.  Will threaten to take away your riding privileges if you don’t comply with their rules.

Mentor: Shares with you their experience/expertise of bike riding.  Gives you tips, models the way they think you should ride, gives you strategies about things like changing tires quickly in a race, and which bike is the best one to buy in their opinion.  Sometimes holds an “I know better than you since I’ve been around there before, so you’d better listen to me” hierarchical position.

Coach: Listens to your desire to try riding a bike.  Asks if you need instructions on how to ride and asks where you might get them.  Asks if you like the color of the bike you are about to buy and may even help you pick the bike up and get on it.  Runs alonside the bike “checking in” to see if you are enjoying the ride and asks what might make it more fun.  Will help you discover what you need to take care of yourself if you fall.  When you stop, the coach might ask you if the experience was valuable, and weather or not you want to pursue mastery bike riding.  If you do, the coach asks you how you might devise a plan to attain this mastery.  If you don’t, the coach may ask you if you want to continue riding casually or if you want to devise a plan to sell the bike.

I hope this helps clarify the distinctions.  Feel free to e-mail it to your friends and family and let them know about this great profession!

Wishing you a great month ahead!

With energy,

Ana