Exploring practitioners’ explanations of professional boundaries between coaching and therapy using interpretative phenomenological analysis

Aims: The first aim of the study was to explore how clinical and counselling psychologists understand and manage professional boundaries between coaching and therapy. The second objective was to explore similarities, differences and overlap between the two fields and lastly to make recommendations for further research and training in order to professionalise coaching psychology further. Methods: Six clinical and four counselling psychologists in independent practice, based in the UK, providing both therapy and coaching over a minimum of three years, were recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online, lasting from 41 to 65 minutes. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse psychologists’ interviews (Smith & Nizza, 2022). Results: Three group experiential themes were identified: (1) Examining dynamic tensions between ethical maturity and ethical ambiguity (2) Depicting linear versus non-linear trajectory of change (3) Honouring professional integrity. A visual depiction of the definition of the boundary was represented by a Venn diagram highlighting how participants defined similarities, differences and overlap. Furthermore, the Boundary decision tree guide was devised in hope to help practitioners with their decision making. Decisions about boundary were experienced as shaped by context, requiring practitioners to rely on their professional judgement. In addition, they explained that there is a significant overlap between the two disciplines. The boundary between coaching and therapy emerged as something negotiated between psychologists and those they worked with, rather than predefined or fixed. Discussion and conclusions: The professional boundary between coaching and therapy is co-created between psychologists and their clients/coachees. Ethical obligations such as having adequate training and competencies was identified as paramount. The Venn diagram and The Boundary decision tree guide can be useful tools to guide practitioners how to understand and manage the boundary. Several recommendations are made for coaching practice, training, policy, and further research.