A preliminary exploration of the working alliance and ‘real relationship’ in two coaching approaches with mental health workers

Abstract

Objectives:The coaching relationship has been described as the catalyst for change. This study explores the coaching relationship by comparing the working alliance and the ‘real relationship’ – the undistorted and authentic experience of the other – in participants in skills coaching and transformational coaching.Design:A 2 (coaching condition) x 2 (time) factorial design was used.Method:Staff from community psychiatric recovery services were trained in a new service delivery approach (Collaborative Recovery Model), followed by coaching from internal coaches once per month to enhance implementation of the training. All trained staff were invited to participate in the research. Forty coachees..