The AC Podcast

175: How Coaches Can Better Support Clients’ Mental Health

In this Episode

David Britten, dual-trained therapist and coach, joins our host, Maxine Bell, for a deeper dive into what mental health and illness are, and what coaches and supervisors need to know and be able to do. David explains the difference between functional suffering, dysfunctional suffering and mental illness, and the importance of language and perspectives in shaping a holistic understanding of mental health.

Emphasising the need for self-awareness and the role of supervision and supervisors, David also debunks the argument that therapy and coaching should be kept very separate. An insightful and necessary conversation that will benefit any coach or supervisor.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention
• Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support
• Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123
• SHOUT - Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline
• UK Helplines
• Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

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You Will Learn

• The three functions of supervision for coaches supporting clients' mental health: normative, formative and restorative
• What supervisors need to know to support coaches around mental health
• The transformative potential of integrating coaching with therapeutic elements, especially for those grappling with mental health challenges

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Guest Bio

David Britten is a dual-trained coach-therapist, supervisor and trainer who worked as a teacher, trainer and subject leader in Higher Education for 13 years, alongside his independent practice. David’s main focus as a trainer is the cross-fertilisation of ideas and skills from coaching and therapy, helping practitioners from each field to expand the compass of their knowledge and competence. He wrote the recently published BACP competences and user guide for integrating therapy and coaching.

 

Connect with David