Cognitive coaching
Cognitive coaching involves supporting change by organizing thinking, questions, beliefs and ways of interpreting situations.
Definition
This is a practical concept that should be distinguished from psychotherapy and the treatment of disorders. Cognitive coaching may use metacognitive questions, analysis of assumptions, clarifying the goal, and testing alternative interpretations. Its aim is not to diagnose, but to increase the clarity, agency and quality of decisions in areas in which the person functions sufficiently stably.
Key ideas
- Metacognition
- Organizing assumptions
- Better decisions
Practice and life
For the problem, write down: the fact, the interpretation, the assumption and a possible alternative interpretation. Only then choose an action.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to present cognitive coaching as therapy or treatment. The second mistake is to work only on positive slogans without testing the facts.
> A good question does not provide a ready answer, but reveals how the problem arose.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What assumption guides my decision?
- Do I have facts or just an interpretation?
- What question will help me think more clearly?