Cognitive-behavioural coaching (CBC) is a coaching technique that draws on principles from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT). It focuses on assisting individuals to identify and change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours to achieve their personal and professional goals. Many common daily challenges, such as stress, lack of confidence, perfectionism, loss of meaning and purpose, poor communication skills or over thinking, usually lead back to an individual’s personal perception of self.
Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching aims to help clients gain a perspective about whatever is at the root of that person’s difficulty. If people talk themselves into being miserable and ineffective, they can talk themselves out of such feelings and learn the associated behaviours that will lead to success.
Here are the key aspects of CBC:
- Focus on Goals: Unlike traditional therapy, which may delve deeply into past experiences and underlying psychological issues, CBC is more focused on the present and future, aiming to help clients achieve specific goals
- Thought-Behaviour Link: CBC emphasises the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts, clients can change their emotional responses and behaviors
- Skills Development: Clients are taught practical skills to manage stress, improve decision-making, enhance problem-solving abilities, and increase resilience
- Structured Sessions: CBC sessions are typically structured, with a clear agenda and specific objectives for each session. Homework or action plans are often used to reinforce learning and encourage the application of new skills
- Collaborative Approach: The coach and client work together in a collaborative partnership. The coach provides guidance, support, and feedback while the client actively participates in the process
- Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones
- Behavioral Experiments: Testing out new behaviors and strategies in real-life situations to observe their effects and learn from the experiences
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Using mindfulness practices and relaxation exercises to manage stress and enhance focus
- Self-Monitoring: Keeping track of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify patterns and triggers
