Coaching psychology to get its own publication

The British Psychological Societyís Special Group in Coaching Psychology (BPS SGCP) and the Australian Psychological Societyís Interest Group in Coaching Psychology (APS IGCP) have launched the worldís first peer reviewed publication in coaching psychology - the International Coaching Psychology Review - with the aim of improving professional standards in coaching and coaching psychology.

Professor Stephen Palmer, the UK Coordinating Editor of the ICPR said, ìThe new publication, the International Coaching Psychology Review, will enable the developing field of coaching psychology to focus on the psychology underpinning coaching practice. It will be an academic outlet for psychologists in the UK, Australia and other parts of the world to publish their much-needed research. It is great that the two main coaching psychology organisations can work together on such an important international project.î

Coaching is a boom industry, with practitioners operating in a number of settings, including business, healthcare and private consultancies. The common factor among them is that they work with individuals and groups to facilitate personal and professional growth.

Despite the perception that coaching might require a significant amount of training and experience, coaching is an unregulated activity worldwide. There is no commonly recognised training or accreditation. However, there are a growing number of university accredited degrees and courses in coaching and organisations are increasingly selecting coaches based on their qualifications. Coaches can now join professional bodies and abide by their codes of ethics and practice. The BPS and APS have several thousand members ñ both practitioners and researchers - engaged in offering psychologically informed coaching services or with a strong interest in coaching.

Dr Michael Cavanagh, the Australian Coordinating Editor of ICPR said, ìThe food and life blood of any industry is its knowledge base. Conferences and publications such as the International Coaching Psychology Review are how knowledge and research is shared among professionals. If you are not part of that process, you are likely to get left behind. A sophisticated community of practice is beginning to develop in coaching psychology, and in coaching more widely.î