What’s the Difference Between Coaching, Counselling and Mentoring?
(And Which One Is Right for Your Neurodivergent Brain?)
Not sure whether you need a coach, a counsellor or a mentor? You’re not alone.
I’ve been puzzled by it too — especially when the definitions seem to be interchangeable depending on who you ask. For example, the Government’s Access to Work scheme offers coaching, while the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) provides mentoring — often for very similar kinds of support.
It can definitely get confusing.
But here’s the good news: if you’re working with me, you don’t have to choose just one. You get a flexible mix that adapts to you — not the other way around.
That said, understanding the difference between coaching, counselling and mentoring can help you feel clearer about what kind of support you're looking for — and why a gentle blend of all three might be exactly what you're after.
So, here we go...
Coaching – Action, Focus and Getting Stuff Done
Helpful for: ADHD, executive function challenges, career wobbles, motivation meltdowns
Coaching is future-focused, practical and usually short-term. It’s about what’s next — helping you set goals, make plans, and actually follow through (without beating yourself up).
For people with ADHD, coaching can be a game-changer. It supports executive functioning, builds structure, and offers practical strategies that fit the way your brain works. No shame, no “just try harder” — just support that actually makes sense.
Where I work, coaching is most useful when: You want help achieving goals, being accountable for change, and embedding new habits and strategies that stick.
Mentoring – Connection, Co-regulation, Partnership
Helpful for: Autistic adults, managing burnout, social isolation, emotional regulation
Mentoring is more relational and less structured than coaching. It’s about walking alongside someone who gets it. Less “do this,” more “I see you.”
I work as a specialist ASC mentor at Warwick University, supporting autistic students with things like self-advocacy, confidence, wellbeing and social skills.
This isn’t about fixing a problem — it’s an opportunity to drop the mask, tune into your needs and preferences, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Counselling – Feelings, Healing and Space to Just Be
Helpful for: Ongoing low mood, anxiety, trauma, emotional processing
Counselling creates a safe space to explore what’s going on under the surface. It’s not about achievement — just curiosity, feelings (even messy ones), and a willingness to explore.
I’m a qualified counsellor with a neuroaffirming, person-centred approach. That means I meet you where you are — no labels, no pathologising, and definitely no clipboards. Just warm, compassionate support to help you understand yourself more deeply.
Why I Offer All Three
Let’s be honest — life isn’t neat.
You might need coaching tools and a cry.
A space to talk about burnout and a plan to make work suck less.
Identity mentoring and help navigating the job market.
That’s why I don’t separate it all out.
I bring all three approaches into my work — blending them intuitively, based on what you need that day. Because honestly? Most neurodivergent humans don’t fit in neat boxes. And neither should your support.
Not Sure Where You Fit? That’s OK.
You don’t need to figure it all out before we start. Just come as you are — burnt out, curious, hopeful, lost, all of the above.
We’ll figure it out together.
Drop me a message or book a free discovery call. Let’s have a cuppa (virtual or real!) and see if it’s a good fit.