A Mentor, a Coach, a Therapist, and Your Bike
Is this the start of a good joke? It could be, but then someone else would need to author this article. This has less to do with skyrocketing bike sales and more to do with how people in these three roles might serve you as you navigate life. Engaging a coach has become more mainstream for individuals in all walks of life, and on a limitless spectrum of wants and needs. Mental health awareness is also improving. It is increasingly important for all of us to understand the difference in these three roles. As a professional coach, I find value in ensuring there is clarity around these three competencies. Imagine the bike and the path as your life, or various aspects of your life, at any given time.
A mentor comes alongside of you offering specifics about their experience riding a bike. They might talk about why they picked a certain bike and how it has served them. They might speak of the path options they have had over time and why they chose one direction over the other. They may offer to introduce you to those they have met along their route, who may be helpful to your journey.
A coach will ask questions about your bike choices and your experience while riding the bike. They may ask questions that cause you to think about the value of bike features. They may ask questions that help you uncover what is most important as the experience of riding the bike unfolds. When you share potential choices in direction or paths, they may ask questions that help you clarify why one path might be better than another. They may ask you questions about what you value most in relation to the bike and your journey. Their job is to facilitate self-discovery that enables you to reach your fullest potential riding the bike.
A therapist will talk to you about past experiences and how they may influence your ability to ride the bike. They might help you take a closer look at previous trauma and will talk to you about any trauma related to currently riding the bike. They would be the right person to meet with if you found yourself unable to ride the bike or unable to proceed forward down a particular path.
A good coach is on the lookout for any changes that precipitate the need to meet with a clinician. They are attuned to when it is appropriate to discuss engaging a psychologist for the client to live her/his/their best life or be her/his/their best self. They listen well for signs of a client moving from languishing toward depression.
I learned this metaphor while training for my professional coach certification at The International Coach Academy. I have elaborated on it a bit to make it as helpful as possible to clients. I always share this during my first session. It is important that we are on the same page regarding the service each of these roles are qualified to offer. I revisit this should the client experience changes or have needs that either a mentor or a psychologist is better skilled to serve. As we each navigate our individual potential, it is comforting to know there are others at the ready to help elevate us. Who will you invite on your bike ride?
