Consulting, coaching, and therapy are related but distinct professions. It is important that you locate the correct professional for your needs. I am a education consultant and career coach, not a clinician or therapist, and I do not diagnose or treat mental health or other conditions.

Education consultants help individuals and families to identify and select the best educational environment for their or their child’s needs. They may also consult with other professionals in the education field to provide training, expert advice, and resources.

My consulting work is focused on helping gifted and twice-exceptional students and families find appropriate educational settings, from pre-K through college. I work directly with families and schools, often serving as an expert advocate for families navigating the gifted and special education process, and as a liaison for specific schools to help them match with students. I also speak at national conferences and provide training for teachers,  administrators, and other professionals.

Coaches focus on enhancing performance and achieving specific goals and outcomes. Some coaches have first-hand or lived experience in their area of focus, while others have advanced training. Coaches do not perform therapeutic work, but are very practical, and help you define and pursue specific, actionable outcomes. Coaches do not need to be licensed, which is why it is important to carefully select a coach with the background, experience, and credentials needed for your area of focus.

As a career coach, I support gifted and twice-exceptional  individuals in finding meaningful, satisfying careers using my proprietary CURIOUS Career Framework™. I have 15+ years direct experience, plus advanced training and several degrees and certifications in gifted development, career development, and psychology.

Mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.) diagnose and/or treat mental health conditions. This is a highly regulated field with strict licensure requirements. Like coaches, therapists may focus on goal-setting and help you to achieve them, but unlike coaches, therapists often focus on your past, episodes of trauma, and teaching you specific coping skills. They typically have advanced skills and training in specific therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

An easy way to conceptualize the differences is with athletes. A consultant can help the athlete find the right team, coaches, or sport for their abilities. A coach supports the athlete in improving their skills and winning games through discrete skill refinement, goal-setting, and practice. A mental health professional supports the psychological health of the athlete, ensuring they are ready for game play, analyzing past psychological roadblocks, failures, or challenges, and teaching the athlete specific coping skills.