Role of Positive Psychology in Coaching

Thank you so much to Margaret Greenberg who wrote the following article in the Positive Psychology daily news on May 14th, 2007. I find it well articulated and easy to understand how the science of happiness, positive psychology, is used in coaching methodology Coaching is one aspect of my business so for those interested in entering a coaching relationship with me , continue reading to gain a greater understanding of how I use positive psychology with my clients.

Positive Psychology and Coaching

There are two common types of research:

• Outcome research which asks, “Does it work?” and
• Process research which asks, “How does it work and why?”

Many clients want to know: What are the benefits of doing this particular exercise or assignment? And those who are footing the coaching bill in large corporations want to know there will be a return on their investment. Following are some specific examples of how I see Positive Psychology intersecting with the coaching profession.

• In coaching, we “acknowledge” and “champion” the client – a core coaching skill. In Positive Psychology, we examine studies on the positive effects of what is called Active Constructive Responding (ACR) and Catherine Freemire’s 3A model (Acknowledge, Amplify and Apply).
• In coaching, we “separate interpretations”. In Positive Psychology, we are exposed to common Thinking Traps discovered by Aaron Beck, the father of cognitive therapy.
• In coaching, we “change geography” and use the body to deepen the client’s experience. In Positive Psychology, we are drawn to the work of Riff and Singer that explores the interconnectedness of the mind and body (or what we call somatic) on human wellness.
• In coaching, we often introduce our clients to journaling and visualization exercises like “Future Self”. In Positive Psychology, we examine the evidence behind exercises like Best Possible Self (BPS) that prove the benefits to health and overall well-being, and Bandura’s research in visualizing success scenarios.
• In coaching, we work with our clients to set goals in their life, like the “Walk the Talk” exercise, and develop plans to achieve the goals. In Positive Psychology, we explore goal theory and studies like King’s that show setting goals produces self-efficacy and promotes well-being.
• In coaching, we help clients notice and overcome their “gremlin” conversations. In Positive Psychology, we study resiliency, optimism, and disputing or reframing techniques such as the ABCDE model (Adversity, Beliefs, Consequences, Dispute, Energy).
• In coaching, we work with clients on process by amplifying both “up and down the tube” experiences. In Positive Psychology, we explore the benefits Bryant has found in savoring and examine the three temporal forms.
• In coaching, we help clients uncover and/or clarify their life purpose and core values to serve as “stabilizing rudders” for living a fulfilling life. In Positive Psychology, we learn why purpose and values are so important to creating meaning in one’s life through the work of Baumeister and Vohs.

Positive Psychology has a lot to offer the coaching profession to broaden the coach’s knowledge and provide empirical evidence for why coaching works. By bringing more science to the discipline, coaching will avoid the “fad trap” and will have the staying power of other helping professions.

[1] Whitworth, L., Kimsey-House, H. & Sandahl, P. (2007). Co-Active Coaching, 2nd edition. Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black Publishing.

[2] Kauffman, C. (2005). De-mystifying research: an introduction for coaches. In Coaching Research Symposium. Eds: Stein, Campone & Page. Washington, DC: International Coach Federation publisher.