Below I have listed the most common questions that people tend to ask me, together with their answers.
However, if your question is not answered or you just want to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to chat!
Yes. Absolutely. There is no requirement for you to be able to draw or consider yourself creative to use this approach in your coaching. Neither do your clients need to be able to draw or consider themselves to be creative. This is all about self-expression and we can all do this. Take a look at the Gallery to see the sorts of ‘art’ that people create when working in this way.
When we talk about art I mean any image that someone produces which means something to them. The art is their imagery made visible and tangible through using line, form, shape and colour whether it is drawing, painting, sculpture or collage. It is about personal expression and we can all do this. Have a look at the Gallery to see the sorts of images people create when working in this way.
Using art in coaching produces many benefits for our coaching practice. Including;
Unlocking the core area being worked on very quickly by uncovering hidden material and working at a deeper level.
Externalising those things that coachees find hard to verbalise by making them visible through image making.
Slowing down articulate coachees who can talk to deflect, defend and gloss over.
Supporting transformational change by helping a coachee get to a deeper level of self-awareness and understanding.
Allowing us to spend time with our coachees in areas of importance.
Building creativity through giving our right brain a voice and by bringing both left and right hemispheres together.
Introducing fun and play which can lead to creative thinking and deeper self-awareness and understanding.
It is memorable, ‘keepable’ and metaphoric.
My workshops are primarily aimed at coaches who are looking for different and new approaches for their practice. The course is not about art therapy although it is based on art therapy approaches and research. You do not need to be an art therapist to attend these workshops.
You are very welcome to attend if you are expanding your practice into coaching. My workshops are primarily aimed at coaches who are looking for different and new approaches for their practice. The course is not about art therapy although it is based on art therapy approaches and research. You will need to have had some training and experience of coaching to get the best out of the workshops.
This approach is relevant for all forms of coaching where the coaching is about unlocking what is going on for your client; bringing a shift in perspective, understanding and awareness. It is also great for opening up coaching sessions where a coachee may come in not knowing what they want to do, can’t explain the situation or is getting stuck in thinking/analysing loops.
The only barrier to using art in coaching is our own perceptions and confidence in using it! When we are very confident in using an approach and can explain clearly to our clients why we would like to use the approach often our clients trust us and will try it out. My challenge to you is, is this more about your own assumptions and perceptions about using art in coaching? Be curious about where this assumption is coming from.
As in the previous question’s answer, the only barrier to using art in coaching is our own perceptions and confidence in using it! When we are very confident in using an approach and can explain clearly to our clients why we would like to use the approach often our clients trust us and will try it out. My challenge to you is, is this more about your own assumptions and perceptions about using art in coaching? Be curious about where this assumption is coming from. By understanding this approach and gaining confidence in using it you will see how this approach can add real value to your coaching practice.
The simple answer is no. Many of us meet our clients on their premises or in other locations and it is important that we can use art in coaching in a portable way. It is easy to take a selection of drawing materials, glue sticks, scissors etc. and papers in a briefcase or bag to our sessions. It is also easy to use found materials when out and about to create sculptures or collages.
I have been in touch with the UK chapter of the ICF and they have provided the following criteria with which courses accredited by other bodies can be submitted for CCEUs:
For coach education or training programs that have not been accredited by ICF:
- You must submit proof of completion in the form of a certificate or signed letter issued by the program indicating the name of the program, dates of attendance, and total hours completed.
- You must list the hours of content that are delivered synchronously and asynchronously. Note that 50% of all required instruction must be synchronous, allowing the opportunity for real-time interaction between instructors and students.
- You must provide a concise class outline or syllabus that summarizes the names of classes/modules and the time allowed for presentation.
- You must provide student materials. These materials may include a student or instructors’ manual, handouts, power points, or any other documentation that clearly illustrates the detailed curriculum.
Information provided 6th September 2024 from the UK ICF.
