CASE STUDY NEW JOB

 CLIENT

The client had changed jobs but despite being in the new role for some time still felt  an "odd ball". They liked their role, colleagues and the organisation, but still felt they were "treading in the dark" and this was a "leap" although  they had  "carved out" a role for themselves.

CONVERSATION

We explored some of the clients metaphors, (eg What does "odd ball" mean to you in this context) which provoked some reflection by the client on their past and some of their assumptions of themselves (what do they think) and of others (what do they think others think) about how well they are regarded and fit in. We challenged these with with questions like How do you know? How would anyone else know? and realized that although these feelings were real the assumptions were entirely personal.

SESSION

There was no goal set up-front as an objective for the session. Instead there was an introduction which lead to a conversation that lead to an exploration of what was important to the client. This flow lacked formal structure (eg 4 step plan) but aided rapport because it was a natural deepening of the topic lead by the client (by choice of what to say) and supported by the coach by observations (Why do you mean by..) queries (How long have you been at..) and challenges (How do yor know..)

This however was not person-centered in the Carl Rogers context because the statements by the coach where not simply reflective, but sought to direct the client to their own words, assumptions and evidence as a means to explore and provoke awareness. There was however no prescription by the coach about what to do, instead silence was used  which the client used to fill with their own prognosis and plans.

The session concluded with client stating what they had learned from the process and what they planned to do about it. The session concluded with the coach suggesting that it was up to the client what happens next. That may conclude the coach relationship, or the client might choose to make a future appointment.

REFLECTIONS

The client was very happy with the outcome of the session, although the true value of the coaching will be in the positive outcome(s) for the client, which may or may not follow the session depending on the clients engagement, commitment and subsequent action.

The use of metaphor was particularly useful when presenting a theoretical scenario based on the clients own words (eg ..picked from a line-up..) and inviting the client to comment upon it (eg How could they tell?). However the concept and challenge was originated by the coach, based on what the client said and not by the client.

There is an argument that it would have been better (even if more time consuming) for the client to come to their own conclusions in their own time rather than be provoked into an Aha! moment. However it is important to emphasize that whilst the coach provided a model, the exploration and conclusion was entirely the clients.

The coach was careful to avoid any leading questions, or any specific direction, except to explore more deeply and with greater clarity where the client was going by reference to their expressed thinking and feeling and choice of words to reflect these.

Whilst not squarely person-centered coaching with the client setting the topic, structure, content and outcome, the coach interventions were within the person-centered coaching philosophy in-so-far-as there where not psychoanalytical diagnosis or prognosis not CBT behavioral exploration or prescription, but instead a supportive partnership in conversation.[Merry 1995, Pg7]

IMPORTANT NOTES

The Coach engages in training and continuing education pursuing and/or maintaining ICF (International Coach Federation) credentials. All coaching conversations are confidential and the abbreviated case above has been amended so as to protect the anonymity for the client whilst providing evidence of coaching practice, reflection and learning, for the purposes of ICF education, supervision, or oversight.

All coaching engagements follow ICF Policies and Principles Resources, Terms and Conditions https://www.adaptconsultingcompany.com/coachingtoolkit/client.php

REFERENCES

Invitation to Person-centered Psychology 1995 Book by Tony Merry