MockQuestions

School Counselor Mock Interview

Question 8 of 40 for our School Counselor Mock Interview

Get More Information About Our School Counselor Interview Questions

Question 8 of 40

What is the difference between Counseling and Coaching?

"There are two important factors that differentiate these concepts. First, is the approach. As a counselor, we focus more on understanding the individual's past to help them resolve or heal from a particular problem or issue. Meanwhile, coaching is more focused on setting goals for the future and the action plans that the individual has to do to achieve them. Second, counseling and coaching differ in their educational and training requirements. For example, a counselor is required to have a specific degree such as Psychology or Counseling, while coaches are not. Coaches can undergo trainings offered by coaching institutions regardless of their educational background."

Next Question

How to Answer: What is the difference between Counseling and Coaching?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a School Counselor job interview.

  • 8. What is the difference between Counseling and Coaching?

      How to Answer

      When answering technical or theoretical questions, it is important to create an outline of your answer to demonstrate an organized train of thought. Provide concise answers and throw in an example to clarify the definition.

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

      Answer Example

      "There are two important factors that differentiate these concepts. First, is the approach. As a counselor, we focus more on understanding the individual's past to help them resolve or heal from a particular problem or issue. Meanwhile, coaching is more focused on setting goals for the future and the action plans that the individual has to do to achieve them. Second, counseling and coaching differ in their educational and training requirements. For example, a counselor is required to have a specific degree such as Psychology or Counseling, while coaches are not. Coaches can undergo trainings offered by coaching institutions regardless of their educational background."

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "A counselor is educated and trained to provide a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore various issues. A coach does not require formal education and provides assistance with goal-oriented issues."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      You do a great job describing the difference between a counselor and a coach!
  • About the Author


    I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I served on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

    My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, professors, school counselors, nurses, medical assistants, school support staff, home health aides, and physician assistants. I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for healthcare and educational professionals. I have coached paramedic and EMT students to pass their licensing exams and counseled and mentored many other healthcare professionals in providing compassionate patient care.

    As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming school counselor interview. While these questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in acing your interview!

    Learn more about Krista Wenz