How does coach training change coaches-in-training? Differential effects for novice vs. experienced ‘skilled helpers’

ABSTRACT Coaches are essentially in the business of facilitating change in others. Yet little is known about the changes that trainee coaches themselves go through as they learn coaching skills and theory. This study identifies some of the key inter- and intra-personal attributes that developed over a nine-month programme of coach-specific training, while comparing differences in impact on trainee coaches who have prior working experience as a therapist with those without therapist experience. The group as a whole had significant increases in satisfaction with life, mindfulness, solution-focused thinking, self-insight, and a need for self-reflection. The training had less impact in terms of inter- and intra-personal skills on experienced therapists than the non-therapists. Nevertheless, coach training is beneficial even for those with prior experience in working as a therapist. This study suggests that coach training typically induces a wide range of personal changes and development that are impactful on a deep personal level. Although therapists already have many of the so-called soft skills required in coaching, those from a therapeutic background still benefit considerably from coach training. One key area highlighted in this study is the need for those coming from a therapeutic background to increase their skills in problem disengagement.