By Simon Clarke

The history of Life Coaching is quite diverse, however a lot of the concepts and principles used in Life Coaching can be correlated back to humanistic psychology that has its foundations from Carl Rogers’ and Abraham Maslow’s theories on higher human values, self-development and self-understanding. It is important for coaches to have a comprehensive understanding of the theories, strategies and techniques that can be drawn from to assist clients achieve their personal best. Some of the theories that provide the backbone for many coaching approaches are: the GROW Model, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming. Following is an overview of each of these theories and techniques:

GROW Model - An effective technique which can be used by coaches to structure their coaching conversations. The GROW model provides focus and direction to coaching sessions and is useful in increasing client awareness and accountability. The letters GROW form the acronym for: Goal, Reality, Options and Way forward.

Reality Therapy - Based on choice theory, this therapy holds that the underlying problem of all clients is the same: they are either involved in a present unsatisfying situation or simply not where they want to be. If this therapy is to be successful, the coach must guide the client to a satisfying situation and literally teach the client to behave in more effective ways than he/she is presently behaving.

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - The SFT focuses on the unsatisfactory situation, rephrases it, presents alternative possibilities, develops goals and then develops an action plan to meet these goals. This type of therapy is based on the belief that answers reside in the individual’s own repertoire of skills and is always framed within a context of human competency and our ability to change and adapt.

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) - A technique rather than a therapy, NLP is the study of what works in thinking, language and behaviour. It is used as a coaching intervention to enhance learning abilities, set goals, improve relationships and manage thoughts and emotions more effectively.

© Life Coaching Institute (Aust). If you wish to republish or reproduce this article, please include this information in the end of the article. For more information about the Institute – please visit www.lcia.com.au/lz.

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