Coaching

My experience and practice as a psychotherapist forms the foundation of the way I hold the coaching space (see therapy section).  Although the stance when coaching can be more active the difference is mainly on what we are working on rather than on how I work.  When coaching the focus is primarily on helping individuals maximize their potential and/or reach their goals rather than addressing clinical conditions or providing therapy for mental health issues.  

Therapy typically requires a more comprehensive examination of the client's emotional and mental well-being and involves a deeper exploration of psychological processes, patterns, and underlying causes of distress.  A therapeutic process is thus usually longer lasting and has a greater depth of exploration than a coaching intervention.  In coaching the sessions are usually more focused on specifics such as emotion regulation or areas of a clients life such as performance, career, relationships, or personal goals. 

In coaching I use the structure and evidence-base of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients overcome challenges, enhance self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve desired outcomes.  When specific techniques are required, I draw from my training and experience with CBT and positive psychology. Some of these include:  

• Cognitive Restructuring:  Identifying and challenging negative or self-defeating thoughts and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviours. Cognitive restructuring techniques can be used to help clients reality-test their limiting beliefs, self-doubt, or negative thinking patterns that hinder their progress and then develop more reality-based and useful cognitions.  By replacing negative thoughts with more realistic and empowering ones, clients can develop a more constructive mindset to achieve their goals.   

• Goal Setting and Action Planning:  There is a strong emphasis on goal setting and action planning. Goals can encompass a broader range of areas such as career, relationships or personal development.  Using models such as GROW and SMART we collaborate to form a clear direction and the plan to get there. 

• Behavioural Activation (BA):  Behavioural activation involves encouraging individuals to engage in positive behaviours and activities that promote well-being and personal growth. In coaching,  BA can help clients take proactive steps towards their goals.  This might involve exploring new opportunities, experimenting with different behaviours, or developing strategies to overcome barriers and obstacles. 

• Self-Monitoring and Reflection:  These can be used to increase self-awareness and identify patterns in the service of personal growth and learning. Through becoming more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, coachees are able to make conscious choices toward addressing difficulties and achieving their goals. 

• Homework and Skill Building:  Clients are often assigned homework or actionable tasks to practice skills and strategies.  Techniques such as behavioural experiments can be used to test assumptions and encourage learning and development. 

In my experience, most individuals require elements of psychotherapy and coaching and I am comfortable with a fluid movement between them as required.