How can you change your coachees' beliefs and behaviors with cognitive-behavioral coaching?

2 Identify the beliefs and behaviors

The next step is to identify the coachee's beliefs and behaviors that are affecting their situation. Beliefs are the assumptions, interpretations, or evaluations that the coachee holds about themselves, others, or the world. Behaviors are the actions or reactions that the coachee exhibits in response to their beliefs or emotions. You can use different methods, such as questioning, listening, observing, or feedback, to elicit the coachee's beliefs and behaviors. You can also use the ABC model, which stands for Activating event, Belief, and Consequence, to analyze how the coachee's beliefs and behaviors are triggered by certain situations, and how they lead to certain outcomes.

3 Challenge the beliefs and behaviors

The third step is to challenge the coachee's beliefs and behaviors that are unhelpful or irrational. Unhelpful or irrational beliefs and behaviors are those that are distorted, exaggerated, negative, or inconsistent with reality. They can cause the coachee to experience emotional distress, low self-esteem, poor performance, or unhealthy habits. You can use various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, reframing, disputing, or evidence testing, to help the coachee examine and question their beliefs and behaviors. You can also use the SMART model, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, to help the coachee set realistic and attainable goals.

4 Change the beliefs and behaviors

The fourth step is to change the coachee's beliefs and behaviors that are unhelpful or irrational. Changing beliefs and behaviors involves replacing them with more helpful or rational ones. Helpful or rational beliefs and behaviors are those that are accurate, balanced, positive, or consistent with reality. They can help the coachee to experience emotional well-being, high self-confidence, improved performance, or healthy habits. You can use various techniques, such as affirmations, visualization, modeling, or reinforcement, to help the coachee adopt and practice their new beliefs and behaviors. You can also use the GROW model, which stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will, to help the coachee plan and execute their actions.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the coachee's progress and results. Monitoring and evaluating involves tracking and measuring the coachee's changes in beliefs and behaviors, and their impact on their situation and goals. You can use various tools and techniques, such as feedback, reflection, review, or follow-up, to collect and analyze data about the coachee's achievements and challenges. You can also use the SCORE model, which stands for Symptoms, Causes, Outcomes, Resources, and Ecology, to help the coachee assess and adjust their beliefs and behaviors according to their context and environment.

6 Support and celebrate

The sixth step is to support and celebrate the coachee's success and learning. Supporting and celebrating involves acknowledging and appreciating the coachee's efforts and accomplishments, and reinforcing their positive beliefs and behaviors. You can use various methods, such as praise, recognition, rewards, or testimonials, to express and demonstrate your support and celebration. You can also use the CLEAR model, which stands for Contract, Listen, Explore, Action, and Review, to help the coachee maintain and sustain their changes and growth.

Cognitive-behavioral coaching is a powerful and effective way to change your coachees' beliefs and behaviors, and help them achieve their personal and professional goals. By following these steps, you can apply the principles and techniques of CBC to your coaching practice, and enhance your coachees' performance, well-being, and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?