Abi Boughton-Thomas, a coach and solution-focused therapist, shares her journey from speech and language therapy to positive psychology and coaching psychology. She discusses how her personal experiences with mental well-being struggles have shaped her approach to coaching and therapy. Abi incorporates positive psychology into her sessions by focusing on clients' strengths. She also discusses the overlap between coaching and therapy and how solution-focused therapy provides a trauma-safe approach. We also explore the challenges of implementing coaching in the NHS as well as the benefits of (daily) mindfulness practices.
Keywords: solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, coaching psychology, mental well-being, coaching, therapy, neurodiversity, NHS, mental health, training, mindfulness
Key Takeaways
Abi’s personal experiences with mental well-being struggles have shaped her approach to coaching and therapy, emphasising a solution-focused and pragmatic approach.
The overlap between coaching and therapy is navigated by focusing on the level of emotional distress and managing complex safeguarding issues in therapy sessions.
Solution-focused therapy provides a trauma-safe approach by not investigating problem stories and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Coaching interventions in the NHS can be empowering and provide immediate support at the point of need.
Challenges in implementing coaching in the NHS include short-term contracts, lack of understanding from staff, and limited support and supervision.
Mindfulness practices can be beneficial for both coaches and clients, helping to settle the nervous system and cultivate peace and ease.
Chapters
00:52 Incorporating Positive Psychology into Coaching
07:05 The Influence of Personal Mental Well-being Struggles
12:41 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Coaching Practice
18:37 The Relationship Between Therapy and Coaching
25:25 Challenges of Implementing Coaching in the NHS
34:00 Neurodiversity Coaching and Training
37:01 Benefits of Mindfulness Practices
41:43 Future Aspirations for Coaching Practice
Links to Things We Discussed
Loch Kelly’s Mindful Glimpses
Neurodiversity Coaching: A Psychological Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Talent and Career Potential - A Book By Almuth McDowall and Nancy Doyle
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