Person‑centred coaching is a phrase often used in coaching and therapy, and it is one of the ways I describe how I work as a Coaching Psychologist. It means that the person, and their unique experience of themselves in their situation and in the wider world, is at the heart of the coaching.
A person‑centred way of working assumes that humans have the potential to develop and that we are the experts in our own lives. Coaches working in this way support people to uncover their resources, find their own solutions and make choices with greater confidence. Coaching that centres the person is described as non‑directive because the coach’s role is not to offer advice or provide solutions, but to help their client explore options and move forward in a direction of their choice.
Person‑centred coaches often refer to working with the ‘whole person’ to convey the sense that people are multifaceted and more than the challenges they bring. A coach working in this way doesn’t provide an agenda or attempt to sort their client’s problems out for them, but they also don’t ignore the problem or sit back passively. The advantage of working with the whole person is that the outcomes of coaching are more sustainable. People leave coaching able to navigate other challenges with the resources they have uncovered and strengthened.
Taking a person‑centred approach is not a prescribed set of practices, it is an attitude that involves acceptance, deep listening without judgement, and trying as far as possible to see the world the way the client does. In my work, this means regularly checking that we are on the same page, joining people in the language and metaphors they use, and continually building my capacity to be open to the many ways there are to be human.
I work in this way because it is important to me to work respectfully with people. The belief in human capability underpinning the person-centred approach is aligned with my values. I don’t take lightly my role in creating conditions that support insight and learning. My philosophy is that coaching is a collaborative enquiry, carried out with someone rather than done to them.
I believe that an approach isn’t person-centred if it is not inclusive. Keeping the person at the centre requires being able to conceive of the multitude of ways to be human. I work hard to support my ability to have an expanded view of the human experience. We are all unique humans living and working in a complex world made up of multiple systems, so as a coach it is important not to assume that people experience themselves or the world in the same way.
My commitment as a coach is to offer a respectful, inclusive and collaborative space where people can explore their experiences and strengthen their ability to navigate the world in a way that fits who they are. Person‑centred coaching supports this by keeping the individual, their context and their capacity at the heart of the work. If you feel this approach aligns with what you are looking for, you’re welcome to get in touch about working with me.
As a Coaching Psychologist in Norfolk, I offer coaching for individuals (life, work and relationships) and parents in-person in Norfolk and online anywhere in the UK.