The Coaching Edge: Training in Psychological Dynamics for Coaches

Coaching and Psychotherapy are two distinct yet complementary professions. This program operates under the assumption that a working knowledge of foundational psychological dynamics will greatly benefit coaches. Coaches who ground themselves in the basics of psychology and explore psychology's ramifications in the field of coaching gain a broader and deeper perspective, which cannot be underestimated.

Why “Psychotherapy” for Coaches?

As a coach, you’ve been attracted to this new and burgeoning global profession, whose intention lies in eliciting the best in a client: his or her values, hopes, dreams, and possibilities. From here, you work to help your client take the practical steps toward manifesting his or her greatest visions. The essence of coaching is groundbreaking.

You may be a seasoned or beginning coach. Your training as a coach has not included a component in the area of psychological dynamics. You know you bring quality to the coaching relationship; however, there are times when you struggle with psychological issues, either consciously or unconsciously, and you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of what is going on and how to respond professionally.

Sometimes you may feel or think:

* I walk away from a session and don’t feel good! What happened? Similarly, I find myself having very strong feelings toward my client which I don’t understand.

* I’ve heard the terms “transference,” “counter-transference,” and “boundaries,” but what do these really mean and how are they helpful for me in the coaching relationship?

* I work with many clients who have powerful visions and goals, but who also strongly resist moving forward. I’m frustrated. I don’t understand what’s going on with them. I don‘t know how to best coach them.

* I sense that a client may be additionally served by therapy or counseling. What criteria can I use to evaluate the situation and the client’s needs? How can I communicate my suggestions in the most supportive way possible?

*I’m eager to reach the next level in my coaching and I believe that a knowledge base in psychological dynamics would make a profound contribution to my coaching.

Program Content

This program will address the following psychological dynamics as they relate to coaching:

• Transference and Counter-Transference
• Projection and "The Shadow"
• Boundaries and Containers
• Attachment and Separation
• Understanding the Personal Self and the Transpersonal Self
• Distinguishing Between the Interior Self and the External World

What this program is NOT:

This is not a training program that encourages coaches to act as working psychotherapists.

The Format

The format of the program will be highly experiential. We will use role-playing, guided imagery, improvisational exercises, and client-cases, as well as dialogue and discussion. Readings will be selected from the work of various psychological experts, targeted to highlight the relevant concepts.

The Benefits:

At Life Unlimited, we use a unique, integrative approach to develop a training program that allows you to learn and use psychological dynamics in your coaching practice. By becoming informed of the personal issues that effect your clients in their daily lives, as well as the interpersonal issues that arise in your own relationships with them, you will increasingly apply valuable “psychological intelligence” to your toolbox as a coach. The results of this reach far and wide.