Is the coach a sort of counsellor?

Coaches focus mostly on the present and on changes people want in the future.  It’s for those whose is life generally going OK, but who would like help and support to make it even better. In contrast counsellors or therapists are trained to work with clients to who have serious mental and emotional issues.

An important similarity between coaches and counsellors is that both recognise the importance of empathy, positive regard, respect, as very important when working with people to help them achieve change. This is termed a therapeutic relationship.