Embodied coaching practices: Exploring coaching, communication and a complexrealist case based research approach

Consideration of the body as a mechanism in coaching is neglected in coaching literature, although relevant theories of embodiment exist in areas such as cognition, emotion and phenomenology, and there is a history of body-oriented practices in psychotherapy. This exploratory, interpretive comparative case study investigates embodiment in coaching by analysing the work of three coaches working in the work/career domain and how their own physicality and that of their clients plays a part in the coaching process. The epistemological challenges of investigating the role of the body as a discursive or meaning-making instrument in a complex practice context are discussed. A multi-layered, multi-perspective approach to data and analysis within a complex realist case framework is proposed. Data was gathered from three video recorded coaching sessions from each of three coaching dyads, participant reflections and a review of the developing analysis through interview with the respective coach. Data was analysed through the perspectives of a) the narrative of the coaching intervention’s purpose or agenda, b) the characteristics of the coach’s embodied interventions, and c) the functions of non-verbal communication in the interaction. This approach to analysis is labelled a ‘complex hermeneutic’ and is proposed as a model for similar study contexts. Findings in relation to coaches’ practices include: that the use of embodied practices reflects other attributes of coaches’ practice and approach and that complex interactional functions within the dialogue can be carried out or supported by bodily action. Patterns of embodied behaviours were found to be significant in relation to cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of the coaching interaction. It is argued that the understanding of embodiment in coaching is hampered by the underdevelopment of embodiment in contributory disciplines. A framework of four embodied coaching interventions is proposed. The challenges of the complex hermeneutic are presented and discussed. Implications for research, practice and education of coaches are outlined.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Jackson, Peter Morris

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/aq08-6r31

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:306bc80d-e304-42c0-b11b-6f12fbca4d7d:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1