The Andrews Integrative Models
In his remarkable book titled The Active Self in Psychotherapy (Andrews, 1991) my now deceased colleague, John Andrews prepared several models that point to a comprehensive and integrated system when sorting through the wide variety of strategies engaged by those doing psychotherapy. He was very much involved with SEPI prior to his untimely death. Incidentally, John drew many of his ideas from Timothy Leary, his one-time mentor at Harvard University. This was the pre-LSD Timothy Leary who wrote an important book about interpersonal styles—including an interpersonal style taxonomy.
Outcomes of Coaching Process
One way in which to categorize and differentiate among various schools of professional coaching is to focus on the relative emphasis placed on each outcome of the coaching process. Following is a model of coaching outcomes that might be deployed in making this assessment. It builds off of the first of two psychotherapy models offered by Andrews (see Appendix C). These outcomes are orderly in a roughly sequential manner:
Outcome One: Establish a Clear and Appropriate Coaching Contract/Agreement
* Coaching Process
o Listen carefully for client’s underlying concerns
o Openly share your needs and concerns about the coaching engagement with client
* Coaching Accomplishment
o Establish a fair and realistic set of expectations about the coaching engagement
o Establish an equitable payment plan that takes into consideration the client’s financial status.
Outcome Two: Building a Positive/Trusting Relationship
* Coaching Process
o Provide Empathy
o Provide Acceptance
o Provide unconditional positive regard
* Coaching Accomplishment
o Help client find a basis of hope for this coaching engagement
o Provide evidence of willingness to explore a broad range of issues with client, while also remaining focused on the convening issue(s)
Outcome Three: Providing a Supportive (“Holding”) Setting/Structure
* Coaching Process
o Remain consistently focused on the client’s concerns and interests
o Avoid taking over ownership of the issue(s) being identified by the client
* Coaching Accomplishment
o Ensure that the coaching session is “safe” in every way possible for the client
o Clarifying the nature and scope of responsibility in the coaching engagement that belongs with the coach and belongs with the client.