Coaching is usually considered distinct from mentoring, although there is some cross over.

A Mentor is usually someone more experienced than you in a particular field, who offers their advice, guidance and wisdom. They may even influence on your behalf, or introduce you to useful contacts.

Coaching is generally held to be differentiated by it's non-directive approach. In other words, the coach is not there to tell you what to do, but to partner you in the process of discovering your own solutions.  A coach will encourage you to be fully aware and honest about the current situation, to build realistic and achievable goals, and take action to achieve them. But in a coaching relationship, this process will be led by you, and the coach will encourage you to take full responsibility for it.

In certain situations some coaches can also offer a mentoring style of support, and there may be occasions during your work with them where shifting into a this type of relationship will really help you. A good coach will discuss this openly and agree the boundaries with you.