Reflective Practice for Coaches and Clients: An Integrated Model for Learning

Abstract

The literature on reflection, awareness, and self-regulation provides theoretical and empirical fruit for understanding self-processing mechanisms that enhance learning, growth, and performance. A literature review was conducted to explore the potential of reflection, awareness, and self-regulation as developmental tools for coaches. From the review, an integrated Reflective Practice Model was created to help coaches understand these three self-processing mechanisms as an integrated skill set for facilitating personal and professional growth for both the coach and client. The model assumes that reflection and awareness are antecedents to self-regulation. Each term is conceptualized as a skill that can be learned. This model may be used for reflection inward (internal), awareness to personal actions or emotions, and enhanced self-regulation. Reflection upon past events is considered a generalized application, however, the model may also be used in the moment of a discussion. Similarly, the model may be used by a coach to influence client reflection, self-awareness and self-regulation. While others have written about these concepts, to date no one has compiled these elements into a single, integrated model.