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What Is Coaching Psychology and How Does It Work?
- Dr Laura Allen
- May 12
- 3 min read
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Introduction
Coaching psychology is an emerging field that bridges the gap between psychological science and the practice of coaching. With its foundations in evidence-based psychological theories and models, coaching psychology seeks to enhance wellbeing, performance, and personal growth. Coaching psychology is grounded in empirical research, offering clients structured and scientifically informed support. This article explores what coaching psychology is, how it operates, and the core approaches that underpin its practice.
Defining Coaching Psychology
Coaching psychology can be defined as the application of psychological theory and research to the practice of coaching. According to the British Psychological Society (BPS), coaching psychology aims to improve performance and wellbeing in individuals and organisations using evidence-based psychological methods (Palmer & Whybrow, 2007). It encompasses a wide range of domains, including executive coaching, life coaching, health coaching, and educational coaching.
Coaching psychologists typically have training in both psychology and coaching, and they apply scientific principles to help clients clarify goals, overcome barriers, and sustain behavioural change. Unlike psychotherapy, which often focuses on pathology or mental illness, coaching psychology is mainly future-focused, strengths-based, and concerned with optimising human potential.
How Coaching Psychology Works
At its core, coaching psychology involves a collaborative and goal-directed relationship between coach and client. The process usually begins with an initial assessment to understand the client’s current situation, values, and desired outcomes. From there, the coaching psychologist works with the client to identify realistic goals, explore options, and develop actionable strategies.
The coaching process is structured around a variety of psychological methods and tools, which may include:
Goal-setting frameworks (e.g., SMART goals)
Cognitive-behavioural techniques
Motivational interviewing
Solution-focused approaches
Strengths-based interventions
Each session builds on the previous one, encouraging reflection, accountability, and gradual progress. The emphasis is on empowering clients to develop self-awareness, resilience, and autonomous motivation.
Key Approaches and Theoretical Foundations
Several psychological theories underpin the practice of coaching psychology:
Positive Psychology: This approach focuses on strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing. Interventions may include gratitude journaling, identifying signature strengths, and cultivating optimism (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
Cognitive-Behavioural Theory (CBT): CBT principles are often used to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, develop coping strategies, and modify behaviours (Neenan & Dryden, 2002).
Self-Determination Theory (SDT): Developed by Deci and Ryan, SDT emphasises the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being (Deci & Ryan, 1985).
Solution-Focused Coaching: This model encourages clients to focus on solutions rather than problems, helping them to envision preferred futures and build on existing resources (Grant, 2011).
Humanistic Psychology: Influenced by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, this perspective values empathy, authenticity, and the individual’s capacity for growth.
Applications of Coaching Psychology
Coaching psychology is applicable across a wide range of contexts:
Executive coaching: Enhancing leadership skills, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
Health coaching: Supporting lifestyle changes and promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Career coaching: Helping individuals navigate career transitions, develop skills, and achieve professional goals.
Educational coaching: Empowering students to improve performance and build resilience.
In each setting, the coaching psychologist tailors interventions to the client’s specific needs, drawing on evidence-based methods to facilitate meaningful and sustainable change.
Conclusion
Coaching psychology represents a powerful integration of scientific knowledge and practical coaching. By applying validated psychological theories and methods, it offers a robust framework for enhancing human potential in both personal and professional domains. Whether one is striving for personal growth, navigating a career shift, or aiming to improve leadership capabilities, coaching psychology provides an effective and research-informed pathway towards positive change.
References
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer.
Grant, A. M. (2011). Is it time to REGROW the GROW model? International Coaching Psychology Review, 6(2), 129-144.
Neenan, M., & Dryden, W. (2002). Life Coaching: A Cognitive Behavioural Approach. Routledge.
Palmer, S., & Whybrow, A. (2007). Handbook of Coaching Psychology: A Guide for Practitioners. Routledge.
Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14.
About Dr Laura Allen –
Dr Laura Allen is a Chartered Psychologist and Integrative Therapist with expertise across a range of therapeutic modalities. A published author in the field of Positive Psychology, she offers personalised one-to-one support, provides supervision for fellow practitioners, and plays an active role in shaping the future of the profession through her work with the British Psychological Society’s assessment team.
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