A Mentor, Therapist, and Coach Walk Into a Bar…

A coach, a therapist, and a mentor walk into a bar.

The bartender squints and asks,
“Is this the start of a bad joke or someone’s healing journey?”

The coach jumps in first:
“Let’s set some clear goals for the evening. Tequila, confidence, closure.”

The therapist gently adds,
“Before we begin, how’s everyone feeling about being here tonight?”

Then the mentor, who’s been quietly observing, finally speaks:
“Maybe the real reason we came here… isn’t about the drinks at all.
It’s about what we’re still thirsty for.”

Silence.

Then the bartender slowly nods,
“You want a tab or should I just charge this to your emotional growth?”

What Separates Coaching, Therapy, and Mentorship?

They’re not competing.
They’re complementary.

But they each serve a different purpose.

Here's how to think about it:

Therapy

• Focuses on healing.

• Often looks backward to understand past trauma, patterns, or unresolved pain.

• Led by licensed professionals with training in mental health.

• Essential for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or deeper emotional wounds.

Therapists ask:
"Where did this start? And how can we process it safely?"

Coaching

• Focuses on performance and goals.

• More structured. Often future-focused and tied to results.

• Great for people who are functioning well but want to level up in career, habits, leadership, or life.

Coaches ask:
"Where are you going? And how can I help get you there faster?"

Mentorship

• Focuses on connection and lived experience.

• Less formal, but deeply personal.

• It’s not about fixing or guiding, it’s about walking beside someone.

Mentors don’t pretend to have all the answers.
They show up, share what they’ve learned, and listen with intention.
They might not diagnose or design plans—but they make you feel less alone in the figuring-it-out stage.

Mentors ask:
"What are you going through? Want to talk about it over coffee—or a walk?"

So why does mentorship matter so much right now?

Because many people, especially youth, aren’t in crisis.
But they’re not thriving either.
They’re stuck in-between.
Not “sick enough” for therapy. Not clear enough for coaching.

That’s where mentorship shines.

It’s relational, not transactional.
It creates trust slowly.
It says, “You matter. I’ve been through things too. I’ll walk with you.”

And sometimes, that’s exactly what someone needs:
Not to be treated.
Not to be trained.
Just to be seen.

So no, it’s not a joke.
When a coach, a therapist, and a mentor walk into a bar...
It might just be the most complete support system someone ever gets.

Want to explore how mentorship could support someone in your life?