A Potential Romantic Interest.
The head and the heart frequently pull people in two different directions. A professional coach will never become personally involved with a client because it will impair the critical element of objectivity.
Your Best Friend.
Friends are great, but friends also frequently have two very different agendas. A professional coach will always keep your agenda firmly in mind. A coach may tell you things your friends never would – things that are sometimes difficult to hear from our friends – but are critical for your continuing development. Above all, a coach will always have your best interests at heart.
Your Therapist.
Occasionally, you’ll share information with your coach about the things going on in your life. But a professional coach isn’t trained or equipped to deal with relationship issues, analyze your past, or deal with issues like depression. A coach isn’t a therapist or psychologist.
A Crutch.
While your coach will support and encourage you, a professional coach will not allow you to become dependent on him/her. A coach is there to help you but not to do it for you.