Developing principles for therapeutic coaching: A UK perspective

Abstract

This position paper describes a proposed definition and theoretical model for therapeutic coaching and coach training, which comes from the authors' experiences and professional development. It has evolved through rigorous discussions on what it takes to coach effectively for both clients and coaches. Our experiences have highlighted a group of clients who are often supported by psychotherapeutic models and where a coaching approach can be both developmental and therapeutic. To facilitate the therapeutic coaching process, there are generic enablers that coaches need to access, whichever coaching philosophy and models they use. These include the intra-and inter-personal skills gained through the established frameworks of Mindfulness and Presence, Emotional Intelligence and the ways in which people manage stress and build the resilience to stay well. With these skills the coach becomes highly self-and other-aware and can manage their personal thoughts and emotions without interference in the coaching process. They can therefore be fully present and effective for the client, which enhances coaching outcomes and sustainability.