Michael Abravanel (Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) James Gavin (Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
In this paper, we examine coaching’s innovativeness through a comparison of its approaches and methods with those of more established helping professions. Using extant literature, we consider the nature of innovation before going on to examine coaching’s core beliefs and values, theoretical paradigms, and its goals, techniques, and methods. Findings suggest that some aspects of coaching can be described as incrementally innovative, deriving from an adaptation of existing approaches. Seemingly, coaching’s most innovative elements are represented in its techniques and methods.
coaching, innovation, coaching philosophy, psychotherapy, counselling
Published online: 1 February 2017
© the Author(s) Published by Oxford Brookes University