Handbook of Coaching Psychology
A Guide for Practitioners
📘 About This Book
The Handbook of Coaching Psychology provides a clear perspective on this emerging area of professional practice. The book begins with a mixture of personal and factual narratives on the historical and current context of coaching and coaching psychology. Stephen Palmer, Alison Whybrow and leading coaching psychologists and coaches outline recent developments in the profession, providing the reader with straightforward insights into the application of eleven different psychological approaches to coaching practice, including: solution focused coaching psychodynamic and systems-psychodynamic coaching narrative coaching cognitive behavioural coaching. Part three of the book considers the coach-client relationship, coach development and professional boundaries, together with issues of diversity and sustainability. The final part covers coaching initiatives in organisations and supervision followed by an introduction to professional bodies and available resources. The Handbook of Coaching Psychology is an essential resource for practising coaching psychologists, coaches, human resource and management professionals, and those interested in the psychology underpinning their coaching practice.
📖 Summary
The Handbook of Coaching Psychology, edited by Stephen Palmer and Alison Whybrow alongside other leading coaching experts, serves as an extensive guide to the landscape of modern coaching psychology. Published in 2014 and spanning 479 pages within the social science genre, this comprehensive volume establishes a clear, rigorous perspective on a rapidly emerging professional practice. The book is thoughtfully structured to transition readers from foundational historical contexts to specialized psychological applications and vital professional considerations. In the opening sections, the authors blend personal reflections with factual narratives to map out how coaching psychology has evolved and where it currently stands within the broader professional domain. This historical framing gives readers a grounded understanding of the discipline before diving into practical methodologies. A core strength of the text lies in its detailed exploration of eleven distinct psychological approaches applied directly to coaching practice. Among these, readers gain straightforward insights into solution focused coaching, psychodynamic and systems-psychodynamic coaching, narrative coaching, and cognitive behavioural coaching. By presenting multiple theoretical frameworks, the handbook enables practitioners to understand the diverse toolsets available for addressing varied client needs. Moving beyond theoretical models, the later portions of the book address the practical realities of managing the coach-client relationship. It tackles essential topics such as professional development, the maintenance of strict professional boundaries, and the importance of navigating diversity within coaching engagements. These sections ensure that practitioners are equipped not only with psychological techniques but also with the ethical and relational awareness necessary for safe, effective practice. Overall, the volume bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the psychological foundations of effective coaching.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides straightforward insights into eleven distinct psychological approaches.
Covers important professional topics like boundaries and diversity.
Combines historical context with practical application.
Written by leading experts in the coaching field.
⚠️ Cons
Can be dense due to its academic nature.
May require prior familiarity with psychological concepts for full appreciation.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who edited the Handbook of Coaching Psychology? +
The book was edited by Stephen Palmer, Alison Whybrow, and other leading coaching psychologists and coaches.
How many psychological approaches to coaching are covered in the book? +
The book covers eleven different psychological approaches to coaching practice.
What year was the book published? +
The Handbook of Coaching Psychology was published in 2014.
Does the book discuss the coach-client relationship? +
Yes, part three of the book specifically considers the coach-client relationship, professional boundaries, development, and diversity.
What genres does this book fall under? +
The book is classified under social science.
