An integrated model of developmental coaching.

Abstract

This article outlines a coaching paradigm derived from constructive-developmental psychology, family therapy supervision, and theories of organizational cognition. The paradigm is one of transformative, developmental coaching and thus it differs from both cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches. The paradigm is exemplified by a model of the mental space (topology) in which executive coaching is thought to take place. The paradigm and the model are developmental in a twofold sense, that of “ontic” development occurring in cognitive organisms maturing over their lifetime (“nature”) and of “agentic” development brought about by humans (“nurture”). An introduction to the model is presented, followed by the topology of the mental space of coaching, a summary, and suggested topics for future research.