005: How do coaches work with nature?
The Coaching Psychology Pod
Nature's Role in Coaching
This chapter examines how integrating nature into coaching practices can enhance personal empowerment and creativity, especially among leaders in Africa. It contrasts traditional corporate coaching with a more sustainable approach that emphasizes grounding exercises in natural settings.
In this episode we explore ‘How do coaches work with nature?’ with Professor Peter Hawkins, Anna-Marie Watson, Karen Finn and Elsa Valdivielso Martínez. We discuss how the growing interest in bringing the natural world into our coaching conversations is impacting coaching by asking:
- Is coaching with nature the latest fad?
- What do we mean by ‘coaching with nature’?
- Why are we drawn as coaches and coachees to working with nature?
- What does it mean to be a student of nature as a coach?
- How can we turn nature’s obstacles, such as inclement weather, into coaching opportunities?
- How can coaching with nature grow our capacity to deal with the unexpected?
- How do we let nature and the wider ecology into our coaching?
Learn what is involved in coaching with nature from our panel of experts in this episode:
Peter Hawkins is Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School and founder and Chairman of Renewal Associates. He is a leading consultant, writer and researcher in leadership and leadership development and an international thought leader in executive teams and systemic team coaching.
Anna-Marie Watson is a certified Performance Coach and Coach Supervisor who loves to escape the confines of four walls and take conversations into nature. As a former British Army Officer, she has worked in challenging environments from snowy Arctic tundra to hot and sandy deserts though currently resides within the rolling countryside of Wiltshire. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Coaching from the University of Derby and is certified to use psychometric-based coaching tools.
Karen Finn holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. Karen’s dissertation led to the development of the Elements Coaching Framework which considers nature within the individual as well as the individual within the ecosystem. Karen is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice. She encourages coaching clients to be in nature and or to look onto nature during audio coaching sessions. Karen volunteers with Fashion Revolution facilitating discussions on nature-positive textile policy.
Elsa Valdivielso-Martínez is a teacher, certified coach and wellbeing practitioner. She holds an MSc with distinction in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.
Elsa runs a nature-based coaching and training business intended to make clients aware of the impact of climate change upon their wellbeing and to work on their emotional responses to it. She is an active member of the Coaching Climate Alliance.
Dr Natalie Lancer is a Chartered Psychologist, coach and supervisor. She is the Deputy Chair and Secretary of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Coaching Psychology and an accredited member of the Association for Coaching. She is the host of this podcast series and invites you to email any comments to docp-tcppod@bps.org.uk
https://www.bps.org.uk/member-microsites/division-coaching-psychology/podcasts
© British Psychological Society 2022
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