What Kind of Mentor Do You Need Right Now?
Different seasons of life call for different kinds of support, and finding the right person can make all the difference.
That’s why we created the Mentor Matrix, a free, 20-question assessment designed to help you discover what kind of mentoring might be most helpful for you right now. Whether it’s a spiritual director, coach, counselor, or teacher, your results will point you toward the type of guidance that best fits your current needs and season of life.
1. Spiritual Director
A spiritual director is a trained, experienced, and compassionate person of faith who accompanies individuals or small groups through seasons of spiritual discernment, reflection, and exploration. Rooted in centuries of contemplative Christian tradition, spiritual direction draws upon the wisdom of the early Desert Fathers and Mothers, monastic practices, and spiritual guides such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose Spiritual Exercises offer a framework for prayer, reflection, and attentiveness to God’s presence.
During a spiritual direction session, individuals are invited into a space of deep listening and thoughtful conversation. Sessions may include guided scriptural reflection, contemplative prayer, meditation, and other practices that cultivate awareness of the divine in everyday life.
At its heart, spiritual direction is a deeply personal and relational practice. Rather than offering answers or prescribing a particular path, a spiritual director serves as a companion, helping individuals recognize God’s presence, discern their inner movements, and deepen their spiritual lives within the context of their own faith journey.
Direction is relevant for:
- Mid-life transitions.
- Letting go of certainties and old mental-models (deconstruction).
- Discerning important life changing decisions.
- Mature people of faith that seem to have hit a wall
2. Coach
Coaching is a collaborative process designed to support personal and professional development, goal achievement, and improved performance. Coaches help individuals clarify aspirations, overcome obstacles, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.
The coaching process is typically forward-looking and action-oriented, emphasizing self-discovery, personal responsibility, and practical growth. Effective coaches ask thoughtful questions and empower individuals to discover their own solutions.
In recent years, coaching has become increasingly popularized, with countless specializations emerging. While this has made coaching more accessible, it remains a developing profession with limited regulatory oversight. Virtually anyone can call themselves a coach, and the proliferation of questionable certification programs and diploma mills makes discernment essential.
Several established organizations offer recognized professional credentials:
International Coaching Federation (ICF) — Offers ACC, PCC, and MCC credentials based on training, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Global) — Provides internationally recognized accreditation for coaches and mentors.
Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) — Offers the Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential.
Coaching is not therapy. When selecting a coach, consider their credentials, experience, ethical standards, and professional accountability.
If you scored highly in Coaching, your next step is to explore the different types of coaching to find an approach that best supports your needs.
Types of Coaches Include:
- Life Coach
- Executive & Business Coach
- Health & Wellness Coach
- Spiritual Coach
- Career Coach
- Financial Coach
- Relationship Coach
3. Counselor
Counseling is a professional service that provides individuals with support, guidance, and practical strategies for navigating personal, emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. Counselors work collaboratively with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, fostering greater self-awareness, personal growth, emotional well-being, and improved mental health.
Counseling is largely grounded in psychological theories and therapeutic approaches developed over the past century. More recently, advances in neuroscience and a growing understanding of mindfulness and contemplative practices have broadened the field, offering additional insights into emotional health and human flourishing. Faith-based counseling approaches have also developed, integrating psychological principles with spiritual wisdom and scriptural reflection.
While counseling and spiritual direction may complement one another, they serve distinct purposes. Counseling primarily addresses psychological and emotional well-being, while spiritual direction focuses on cultivating awareness of the divine, deepening one’s spiritual life, and discerning meaning and purpose.
Major Fields in Counseling Include:
- Marriage & Family
- Clinical & Mental Health
- Grief & Bereavment
- Trauma Care
4. Teacher (SME)
aware of who we are, who we are not, and the interests and abilities that give our lives meaning and direction.
For many adults, returning to formal education or pursuing a new area of study can feel intimidating. Yet opportunities for lifelong learning have never been more accessible. Universities, online courses, workshops, and independent educators offer a wealth of affordable pathways for personal enrichment, professional development, and continued growth.
An important part of lifelong learning is connecting with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)—individuals who possess specialized knowledge, practical experience, and recognized expertise in a particular field. Whether through formal education, mentorship, workshops, or independent study, learning from SMEs can accelerate growth and provide valuable insight into our personal and vocational pursuits.
Learning is not simply about acquiring information, but about cultivating wisdom, curiosity, and the capacity to grow throughout life.
Learning Outcomes Include:
- Certifications & Licensing
- College, University & Seminary Degrees
- Online Programs
- Area Workshops
- Conferences
Ready to Begin?
Simply click Start below and follow the prompts. The free assessment takes about 5 minutes, and your results will appear immediately when you’re finished.
No email registration. No fees. No strings attached. We know how frustrating it is to complete an assessment only to discover you have to provide your email address or pay to see your results!