Types of Coaching by Philosophical/Psychological Approach

Classification by Theoretical Foundation

Beyond classifications by content or level of direction, we can categorize types of coaching according to the philosophical or psychological approach predominantly adopted by the coach him/herself.

This perspective influences the way the coach conceptualizes change, the tools he or she prioritizes, and the core objectives of the process.

Although many coaches integrate elements from various schools, there is often one main theoretical orientation that guides their practice.

Identifying these approaches helps to understand the different "lenses" through which coaching can be approached.

Systemic Coaching: The Importance of Context

Systemic Coaching gives primary importance to the context in which the individual develops.

It perceives the person not as an isolated entity, but as a being influenced by his or her environment (family, work, society) and, in turn, with the capacity to influence this same environment.

In other words, the coachee is seen as an active part of a system of relationships and interactions.

The focus of the systemic coach is on understanding how the dynamics and patterns within that system affect the client and how the client can interact more effectively within it to bring about change.

Ontological Coaching: Transformation through Language, Body and Emotion

Ontological Coaching focuses largely on improving language processes, considering it as a generator of realities.

It seeks to train the coachee in competencies related to the mastery of language (how we speak and listen), the body (postures, gestures) and emotions.

Its emphasis is placed on the profound transformation of the person, on modifying his or her "way of being" in the world to open up new possibilities for action and results.

It works on how linguistic interpretations, bodily dispositions and emotional states shape experience and limit or expand potential.

Cognitive Coaching: Learning and Growth

The fundamental goal of Cognitive Coaching is learning. It is especially focused on facilitating the personal and professional growth of the coachee through the modification of thought patterns and the acquisition of new mental strategies.

It is based on the premise that our thoughts directly influence our emotions and behaviors.

Therefore, the coach helps the client to identify limiting beliefs, to question assumptions and to develop more flexible and adaptive ways of thinking that allow him/her to learn from experience and achieve his/her development goals.

Pragmatic Coaching: Emphasis on Results and Success

Pragmatic Coaching places all its emphasis on achieving concrete results and the pursuit of success, as defined by the client.

To this end, it focuses mainly on increasing the coachee's motivational capacity and boosting his or her self-esteem.

We use tools and strategies oriented to action, effective planning and overcoming obstacles, with a clear focus on achieving measurable goals and maximizing performance. The approach is eminently practical and effectiveness-oriented.

Humanistic Coaching: Development of Integral Potential

Finally, Humanistic Coaching has as its primary objective the integral development of the person's potential, seeking his or her transformation in all possible dimensions (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual).

It seeks to improve the coachee's ability to master his consciousness, strengthen his self-esteem and confidence, and take responsibility for his own life and choices.

It is based on the humanistic belief in the individual's inherent potential for self-realization and growth, and the coach acts as a facilitator of this process of personal unfolding.

Summary

Systemic coaching prioritizes the context of the individual, seeing him or her as an active part of a system of relationships. It focuses on understanding how the dynamics of the environment influence the client.

Ontological coaching focuses on the transformation of the self through work in the domains of language, body and emotion. Cognitive coaching has as its fundamental objective the learning and modification of thought patterns.

Pragmatic coaching emphasizes the achievement of concrete results and the search for the success defined by the client. Humanistic coaching seeks the integral development of the person's potential, promoting self-awareness and autonomy.