Coaching Psychology (Postgraduate Certificate)

Combining academic study with practical application and skill development, this Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology is the essential starting place for experienced managers who wish to understand the role of professional helping relationships at work, and their impact in and out of organisations.

Organisations have woken up to the fact that most employees need some additional perspective to help them be successful in their roles. Coaching as an intervention to address this has grown exponentially. Some pertinent questions remain, and need reflection: Why has coaching emerged now? Why is it seen to be so relevant? How can we tell when/if it works? Is it different from counselling and psychotherapy? Are certain types of coaching more effective, under certain conditions, with certain people?

You will be introduced to the history and variety of coaching and helping relationships. You will review a range of coaching techniques, discussing their relevance and efficacy, and consider pertinent issues that face the contemporary coach.

Using case studies and client work you will have the opportunity to analyse and understand your own work through a range of lenses, allowing for different interpretations. You will learn to supervise effectively, explore different responses and reflect on the coaching relationship process. Issues that are often overlooked, such as ethics, change, boundaries and defences, are highlighted. Rather than looking at coaching in isolation, you will consider it in the context of evidence frameworks, organisational systems and practices, and organisations as political arenas.