Chapter 9: The Coach 249engaged in coaching need to understand these distinctions and
boundaries prior to embarking on the coaching process (see Table
9.1).
Mentors
Mentoring may be defined as a caring and supportive interpersonal
relationship between an experienced, more knowledgeable
practitioner (mentor) and a less experienced, less knowledgeable
individual (learner) in which the learner receives career-related and
personal benefits (Henry, Stockdale, Hall, and Deniston, 1994).
Mentoring facilitates the transfer of knowledge, skills, attitudes,
beliefs, and values between an experienced and a less experienced
practitioner. The essence of the relationship is that the experienced
practitioner takes a direct and personal interest in the education and
development of the younger or less experienced individual
(Gallacher, 1997).
Counselors
Counseling is defined as a professional relationship that empowers^
diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental
health, wellness, education, and career goals (The American
Counseling Association, http://www.counseling.org/)..)
Generally, counseling focuses on feelings in a therapeutic manner
to understand dysfunction and emotional trauma and most often to
resolve past issues.