Integrating positive psychology and the solution-focused approach with Cognitive-Behavioural coaching: the integrative Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching Model
Cognitive-behavioural coaching (CBC) is a well-established, evidence-based approach to coaching. It is based on the principle that characterises cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), that it is not the events per se which cause distress or joy but the way the individual interprets them. CBC techniques are therefore mainly based on identifying how the coachee perceives key events in the process of change and on modifying unhelpful, performance-blocking beliefs. Experimenting with new behaviours that will challenge old beliefs and strengthen new, empowering ones, is also a hallmark of CBC. Despite its effectiveness in a range of coaching scenarios, traditional CBC still lacks a language for focussing on strengths and positive emotions. For this reason, there is a growing number of cognitive-behavioural coaches interested in integrating tools and techniques derived from Positive Psychology (PP) and the Solution-Focused (SF) approach. Here we propose Integrative Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching, a model of coaching essentially based on the cognitive-behavioural perspective but which also encapsulates key aspects of PP and the SF approach to coaching
