Are you tempted to ‘fix’ when mental health issues appear in the coaching room?

With 46% of Executives seeking coaching as a means of working with their mental health issues in the workplace and one in four adults experiencing some form of anxiety - ?means more people are experiencing and are also now more likely to share their mental health challenges.

So whether it be a friend, family, client or work colleague, you are very likely to encounter this day to day, as well as in your work.

Coaches are increasingly working on the edge of the mental health and well-being space in response to the expanding need and demand for people to gain support for mental well-being across multiple areas of life.

When Mental Health Shows up in Coaching and Supervision

Mental Health challenges and trauma can be difficult to recognise, as many clients may ‘mask’ their state of mind. Yet when we are in the coaching room?with our clients how do we recognise what is emerging and how do we respond in the moment?

The trusted space created in the coaching alliance is vital. When something emerges that we feel we are not capable of working with - or don’t want to explore – how do we react appropriately in the moment?

What happens within us and in the coaching dynamic? Does our internal reaction show up in the room too?

Being self-aware, and using reflective and reflexive practice in the moment are critical to our professional development and also a key element of our supervision.

The AC Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference - 14 and 15 November

Mental Health and Wellbeing is such an important topic for clients and coaches alike. At the AC we have over the past 3 years been researching, and finding out what support AC Members need in service of their clients and in supervision.

As a result, we have put together a stellar line-up of speakers from across the worlds of Coaching, Psychotherapy, Supervision, Neurodiversity and emerging therapeutic areas for our AC Mental Health and Wellbeing in Coaching Conference on 14 and 15 November 2024.

This conference has been put together to enable coaches to work ethically and professionally in the area of mental health and wellbeing.

Boundaries, Capabilities and Referring On

Coaching is a safe and trusted space for people to open up to their whole selves.

However, there is a caveat, coaches are not therapists and are not expected to be. Coaches need to be aware of their boundaries, the importance of contracting, knowing their capabilities, working within their capacity and recognising their client needs as well as know how to refer to a specialist or therapist when needed.

The AC has fresh Supervisor Guidelines available on the website, along with Member to Member guides, FAQs and other resources.

An Inspiring Line Up of Speakers on Mental Health

You can now gain more insight into working with coaching clients who are experiencing mental health challenges by joining us for this two-day interactive, global conference to explore the intersection of mental health and wellbeing with coaching and supervision.?

We have an inspiring line-up of speakers from across the worlds of coaching, psychotherapy, supervision and the emerging area of accredited therapeutic coaching.

The schedule of sessions includes:

• A lively discussion with four speakers at the Opening Panel: What do we mean by Mental Health?
• A research-focused session on Navigating Mental Health with Confidence
• A sensitive session on Loss, Grief and Bereavement
• We end day one with Self-Care for Coaches and Supervisors and Closing Reflections
• Day two starts with a Reflective Creative Practice and The Role of Supervision: Working on the Edge
• Followed by a session on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Neurodiversity Coaching
• Working Safely with Stress, Anxiety and Depression will be an essential session for all participants that will include a new fusion model
• We will finish the conference with the Closing Panel: What Next for Coaches and Supervisors?

Debate, Discuss, Share and Learn

We are including all the essential topics while fostering wellbeing and self-care for all, plus answering your questions on what training you may need, what kind of supervision is appropriate, risk and safeguarding, how to recognise a mental health issue and what you can do.

There will be a vibrant community of respected coaches, supervisors, and therapists for transformative and meaningful discussions, help you manage ethical dilemmas and collaborate on strategies to support and empower both clients and coaches.

The conference will be your opportunity to gain guidance and resources too on how to approach mental health issues that are showing up in your coaching conversations. You will also get exclusive access to post-conference recordings and resources on our AC Digital Learning Hub to continue your learning journey after the event.

Who is the Conference For?

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting your coaching journey, this conference offers something for everyone, including counsellors, therapists and supervisors.

Register today for your place at the AC Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference , which is taking place on 14 – 15 November 2024.

All registered participants will have access to all the slides, resources and recordings to catch up on any sessions missed or to review particular topics.

We have special pricing for AC Members. Non-Members receive 1 year Associate AC Membership with their ticket.

We look forward to seeing you there!?

Article written by Anne Calleja - an AC Contributor, AC Accredited Executive Coach, Master Coach Supervisor, BACP and UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor.