Mental Health in Coaching Practice: Approaches to Navigate Intersecting Spaces

Mental Health in Coaching Practice: Approaches to Navigate Intersecting Spaces addresses one of the most significant challenges facing the coaching profession today: how to work safely, ethically, and confidently when mental health themes arise within coaching conversations. Recognising that mental health is increasingly present in coaching practice, Anne Calleja and Ursula Clidière provide an evidence-informed, practical guide to help coaches navigate these complex intersections while remaining firmly within their professional scope.

Built around seven guiding principles and a practical Why – What – How – Reflection framework, the book blends current research, ethical guidance, reflective practice, supervision, and real-world case studies. The authors introduce practical models, including the Integrative Reflective Practice Model (IRM) and the Flounder–Flourish Matrix (FFM), enabling coaches and coach supervisors to make sound professional judgements, recognise when additional support may be required, and respond with confidence, compassion, and integrity.

Rather than encouraging coaches to become therapists, the book develops the discernment needed to work effectively at the boundaries of coaching, strengthening ethical practice while enhancing client wellbeing. It is an invaluable resource for coaches, coach supervisors, coaching educators, and organisational leaders seeking to develop psychologically informed coaching practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Developing the confidence to recognise and respond appropriately when mental health themes emerge in coaching.
• Applying practical ethical frameworks, reflective practice, and supervision to support safe, client-centred decision-making.
• Understanding the boundaries between coaching and therapeutic practice while working collaboratively and compassionately within professional scope.