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J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther (2008) 26:315 DOI 10.1007/s10942-007-0073-2
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Michael Neenan
Published online: 23 February 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008
Abstract This article focuses on how the principles and practice of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can be adapted to the eld of coaching to become cognitive behaviour coaching (CBC) and the current empirical status of CBC is discussed. The centrepiece of CBC practice is the ABCDE model of identifying psychological blocks and their removal. Typical tools and techniques used in CBC are outlined and ten key questions to ask in coaching are advanced. What CBC can offer coaches is discussed and, nally, suggestions are made to point out when coaching should really be counselling.
Keywords Cognitive behaviour therapy Cognitive behaviour coaching ABCDE model
Introduction
Coaching has been dened as the art of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another (Downey 1999, p. 15). Facilitating the clients personal growth by simply following an action plan is usually insufcient to achieve her goals. What often blocks the way are the clients self-limiting/defeating thoughts and beliefs (e.g. I cant afford to make any mistakes), counterproductive behaviours (e.g. indecisiveness) and troublesome emotions (e.g. prolonged anxiety). Cognitive behavioural coaching (CBC) helps clients to identify, examine and change such thoughts and beliefs, develop productive behaviours and become more skilled at emotional management. The focus is on the clients current concerns. The ultimate goal of CBC is for the client to become her own coach to tackle present and future challenges.
M. Neenan (&)
Centre for REBT, 156 Westcombe Hill, Blackheath, London, England SE3 7DH, UK e-mail: [email protected]
From Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to Cognitive Behaviour Coaching (CBC)
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4 M. Neenan
CBC derives from the work of two leading cognitive behavioural theorists, researchers and therapists, Aaron Beck (1976) and Albert Ellis (1962): Becks model is known as cognitive therapy while Elliss is called rational emotive behaviour therapy; collectively, they come under the rubric of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)the similarities and differences between the two models are beyond the scope of this article. The central message of CBT is usually traced back to the Stoic philosophers, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, but a modern source will do equally well: Difculties lie in our habits of thought rather than in the...