Don’t we do this anyway?
Most OT’s we speak to believe they already coach within their OT role. There is no doubt that coaching and OT have a similar philosophy and some similar techniques but in its pure form coaching is very different.
Coaching provides OT’s with an exciting, different way of working and powerful tools which can be incorporated into an existed approach or as a stand alone intervention.
We truly believe that OT’s make great coaches!
Why is this? Well as OT’s we are one of the only truly holistic professions which looks at all aspects of a person’s life. We understand how important having a future vision and goals are and understand how negative self beliefs greatly inhibit the achievement of these goals. We also understand the nature of human occupation allowing us to see beyond the coaching process. We form good relationships with people and understand the importance of forming a relationship which is both collaborative and where is the power balance is shared equally.
So what is Coaching?
The essence of coaching is to develop a relationship in which a coach works with another person with the intention of helping them to work towards a vision or goal. Whilst this relationship is focussed and objective and bears no emotional strings or attachments, the heart of the coaching environment is essentially about both empathy and compassion.
The aim of the coach is to create a cohesive structure within which both parties can work safely, the coach uses various tools and techniques appropriate to the situation. A good coach uses her intuitive processes which are fed by deep listening and attention to the client. Both client and coach agree to give power to the coaching space and work as equal partners within that space (Whitworth et al, 2005).
