Relationship as one of the most important active ingredients in therapy and coaching psychology

Abstract

This article seeks to gain a clearer understanding of the coaching relationship through a specific question: “Is (the concept of) relationship one of the most important active ingredients in therapy and coaching psychology?” Firstly, a short introduction to the research field is presented, followed by a short timeline of how Palmer, (O’Broin) Henderson and Gyllensten found their way into researching in the coaching relationship field. This leads to a discussion of the definition of the coaching relationship and the notion that a more consistent definition would be very valuable. Lastly, the article points out that the coaching relationship is an important ingredient with respect to the effectiveness and outcome of coaching. However, the complexity of the coaching relationship construct calls for a new synthesis of theoretical ideas, and thus further research should be conducted.