Conference Proceedings: Coaching Psychology in a Post-COVID World (IPCD Panel Discussion, October 8-9, 2021)

Abstract

Coaches and coaching psychologists have been in a unique position to support the wellbeing of clients, teams, leaders and organisations through the challenges created by the pandemic. Based on a panel discussion at the International Psychology Conference Dubai (IPCD) 2021, hosted by Heriot-Watt University Dubai, it was argued that coaches have a role to play that extends beyond the present. Their work may also shape the future, contribute to the UN sustainable development goals and foster an environment of greater inclusion and equity. To do so, coaches also need to adapt, learn and change with continued learning about systemic and team coaching, leadership coaching in virtual and dispersed teams as well as coaching for wellbeing and positive psychology (PP). Coach wellbeing is key to this. By coaches ensuring they are at their best, with practitioner self-care, supervision sessions as well as coach support networks and peer-coaching groups, systemic transformation in wellbeing is more likely to take place. A new set of coaching skills and competencies may be called for, as well as ethics and industry frameworks to support it. The need for research in this field has never been greater to guide and inform these transitions.