Themes of making meaning during this period of economic uncertainty were expressed by several speakers

Jennifer Liston-Smith and Alanna O’Broin

Different ways of “meaning making” in an uncertain economic environment was a strong theme from the end-of-conference speakers’ panel, as were paths to transformational adult learning. Jens Boris Larsen, a Danish coaching psychologist and chair of the Society of Evidence-based Coaching of the Danish Psychological Association, asked: “If it is true that business is ill, how deep does the disease go?”
Discussing how coaching psychologists can contribute in the crisis, he added, we can “deconstruct psychology so that soul will be the basis of the practice we have”.

Sir John Whitmore, in his full-to-capacity masterclass on transpersonal psychology noted growing “authenticity of interest” in these themes of meaning. Another theme was the coming together of the European community of coaching psychology.

At a European Round Table, representatives of bodies in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Germany and Sweden expressed an interest in seeing this exchange of ideas, development of research and raising of standards continue as a community of groups that can learn from each other.

Coaching psychology is still in its infancy in terms of specific recognition and representative bodies. Stephen Palmer, commenting on the 2,300-strong membership of the British Psychological Society’s Special Group in Coaching Psychology, expressed a strong wish to see further coaching psychology conferences in Europe.

  • Jennifer Liston-Smith is co-chair of the BPS SGCP’s Publications & Communication Sub-Committee
  • Alanna O’Broin is co-consulting editorial board member of BPS SGCP publication, The Coaching Psychologist

Volume 4, Issue 2