Here’s More Good information

How is Mentoring different from Therapy?
Great question. (Really!) Mentoring and therapy can both have a strong impact on your life. They can cover many of the same ideas, but will do so at different depths, and using different methods. I am a real supporter of therapy and using licensed professionals to address trauma and deep stuff. Here are a few things to consider:

The Formality Of Our Communications
Mentoring is the most “informal” of all of these relationships. You can meet with a mentor in a variety of settings, both in person and digitally. Mentoring also encourages “conversational riffs” that are flow naturally outside of specific meetings.

Therapy is a formal process with set appointments and taking place in a professional office setting. In many instances, it is not traditional for a client to access their therapist outside of their appointment, unless it is a specific emergency.

What this means for us… It means we can meet in person (if possible) or digitally at designated times. It also means that we can take advantage of casual conversations outside of designated meeting times, using digital chat with What’s App.

Our Relationship Dynamic
You pick a mentor because you value their character and their approach and perspective.
You pick a therapist based on their understanding of a subject matter and know very little (if anything) about their personal character and perspective.

Mentoring is a long-term relationship. Even beyond scheduled work, a mentor and mentee may stay present for long periods of time.
The relationship between a therapist and client exists as long as a client is currently using a therapist’s services.

You value a mentor’s advice because of their character and who they are. You value the advice of a therapist based on their training and the number of individuals they have worked with. 

It may be easier to find a therapist than it is to connect with a mentor. While a therapist will often determine if they begin work with a client based on their availability (“Am I taking new clients currently?”) a mentor evaluates if the relationship is a good fit for both parties involved. It’s important that there be a “click” between a mentor and mentee.

What this means for us… It means we both have to “feel good” about the relationship. It means I do not work with everyone who wants to work with me and really want to make sure we are a good fit together.

The Stuff we Talk About
A mentor will share tools that they have personal experience with. It is also possible for a mentor and mentee to study newer resources together.
A therapist has specific credentials and teaches from an educational perspective. Their personal experiences are not relevant

Therapy focuses on healing the past, while mentoring works on building a future.
A therapist is someone who supports you to heal your past. Mentoring is getting guidance from someone who’s walked the walk and helps you move forward.

 I came across this great example from Imogen Roy: Imagine you’re getting ready to climb a huge mountain. You could either hire an expert guide (coach) for your expedition or a doctor (therapist). Which should you choose?

If you are in fragile health and would be in physical danger if you attempted the climb, a guide wouldn’t make the situation better. But a doctor would help you get back into shape before attempting the challenging feat. However, if you’re already healthy and just need someone to help you with climbing strategy, carrying the load of supplies and finding the best path, the guide would be the better choice for you.

A therapist supports someone to get into excellent mental and emotional health before they attempt to achieve ambitious goals, while a coach leads them over the mountain. It’s very common for people wanting to make changes in their lives to invest in therapy first to work through past trauma, and then hire a business or life coach.

Mentors may be more direct and casual in their communication style and what they say.
Mentors offer their advice and opinions while therapists work from an educational perspective.

What this means for us… You may wish to work with a therapist to help you specifically heal and address the things that come up during our mentoring. They can help you “deep dive” into your WHY and work to keep your mental health as aligned as possible. I will oftentimes point out areas that may be beneficial for you to consider therapy to explore. I can even point you towards therapy professionals that I know who can help!