Coaching Theory and Practice

This unit forms part of the Coaching Specialisation and introduces theories, models and practices of coaching to the student. It will explore the context of coaching within the broader professions of psychology, and in contrast to counselling, psychotherapy, mentoring, and consulting. The theory of coaching is critiqued in the light of Positive Psychology principles and practice and how they contribute to effective coaching. You will be instructed in how to set effective goals with clients, on interviewing techniques characteristic of coaching practice, and will engage in role play practice sessions. You will further be instructed in the application of CBT and Solution Focussed approaches and how to structure a coaching session.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe and discuss the distinctions between coaching, counselling, and consulting
  • Explore the theories and models of behaviour change applied to coaching
  • Critique the theories and techniques applied to coaching (e.g., CBT, Solution Focussed, RET, ACT)
  • Demonstrate the application of appreciative inquiry and motivational interviewing
  • Effectively structure a coaching session
  • Compare and contrast individual and group coaching
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of coaching applications
  • Describe the role of professional ethics in coaching

Content Areas

  • Introduction to the Coaching Industry
  • Core Competencies in Coaching
  • Learning and Coaching Models
  • Models and Behaviour Change Applied to Coaching
  • Goal Setting for Coaching
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Appreciative Inquiry and Relational Flow
  • Solution-Focused Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Applied to Coaching – Part 1
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Applied to Coaching – Part 2
  • Structuring Coaching Sessions
  • Alternative Approach to Coaching

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.