Coaching Methods: A Practical Guide
Coaching methods are structured frameworks and techniques that coaches use to guide sessions, unlock insights, and help clients move from where they are to where they want to be. The right method depends on the client's goal and the moment in the program.
This cluster covers the most widely used coaching frameworks, models, and techniques, with practical guidance on when and how to apply them.
Articles in this cluster
- Basic Principles of Coaching
- How to Use the GROW Model in Coaching Sessions
- Drama Triangle in Coaching
- Johari Window in Coaching
- PERMA Model in Coaching
- The In-Depth Scaling Question
- More Effective Coaching Through Psychology and Tools
- Why and How to Use Reflection for Growth
- Eisenhower Matrix in Coaching
- Free Exploration in Coaching
- Ikigai in Coaching
- Powerful Coaching Questions
- Reflective Journaling for Coaching
- Socratic Questioning in Coaching
- The Miracle Question in Coaching
- Wheel of Life in Coaching
- Core Qualities in Coaching
FocusCoachee includes 88+ ready-to-use coaching methods on every plan, and the library keeps growing. AI helps you find the one that fits your client, or build your own in your own language. Methods can be assigned to sessions, and clients can keep working with them between appointments.
The complete FocusCoachee method library
Below is the full library of coaching methods available in FocusCoachee, grouped by focus area. Every method is included on every plan, and the library keeps growing. Use them as they are, or build your own with AI.
Goals, focus and decisions
Methods that help clients set clear goals, prioritize, and make decisions with confidence.
- Circle of Influence (Stephen R. Covey)
- Decision Matrix
- Decisional Balance
- Eisenhower Matrix (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
- Force Field Analysis (Kurt Lewin)
- Future Scenarios
- Goal Contrast Plan (Inspired by Gabriele Oettingen (WOOP))
- Goal Ecology Check
- GROW (Sir John Whitmore, Graham Alexander, Alan Fine)
- GROW Deep Dive (Sir John Whitmore, Graham Alexander, Alan Fine)
- GROW Quick Check (Sir John Whitmore, Graham Alexander, Alan Fine)
- OSKAR Coaching (Mark McKergow and Paul Z. Jackson)
- Pre-Mortem (Gary Klein)
- SMART Goals (George T. Doran)
Values, purpose and identity
Methods for exploring what matters most, clarifying purpose, and coaching from core values.
- Bateson
- Bateson Logical Levels (Gregory Bateson and Robert Dilts)
- Core Qualities (Daniel Ofman)
- Golden Circle (Simon Sinek)
- Ikigai (Traditional Japanese concept)
- Motivation Drivers
- Strengths Deployment
- Values Compass
- Values Exercise
Reflection and self-insight
Methods that open a session, look back on experience, and build honest self-awareness.
- After Action Review
- Check-In
- Free Exploration
- Johari Window (Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham)
- Learning Curve
- Learning Experiment
- Red Yellow Green Check
- Reflection
- Start Stop Continue
- Success Moments Analysis
Communication, feedback and listening
Methods for clearer conversations, better feedback, and deeper listening.
- Assertiveness
- Communication styles
- Conscious Feedback
- Difficult Conversation Prep
- Feedforward (Marshall Goldsmith)
- Levels of Listening
- Needs-Based Communication (Inspired by Marshall B. Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication))
- OARS Listening (William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick)
- PAC (Eric Berne)
- Perceptual Positions (NLP, John Grinder and Richard Bandler)
- SBI Feedback (Center for Creative Leadership)
- Setting Boundaries
Behaviour change, habits and mindset
Methods that support new habits, shift limiting beliefs, and make change stick.
- ABC Model (Albert Ellis)
- Accountability Ladder
- Breaking Patterns
- Cognitive Restructuring (Aaron T. Beck)
- Growth Mindset (Carol S. Dweck)
- Habit Loop (Charles Duhigg)
- Immunity to Change (Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey)
- Mature (Anne de Jong)
- Micro Habit Builder (Inspired by BJ Fogg (Tiny Habits))
- Transition Curve
Thinking, problem-solving and inquiry
Methods that test assumptions, get to root causes, and open up new possibilities.
- 5 Whys (Sakichi Toyoda / Toyota)
- Appreciative Inquiry (David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva)
- Assumption Testing
- Dilemma
- Ladder of Inference (Chris Argyris)
- Miracle Question (Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg)
- Obstacle Inquiry
- Socratic Questioning
Wellbeing and energy
Methods that map energy, balance, and what helps a client flourish.
- Energy Balance
- Energy Givers
- PERMA (Martin Seligman)
- Wheel of life
Leadership, teams and roles
Methods for clearer roles, stronger teams, and confident leadership.
- Delegation Levels
- Meeting Roles
- Network Analysis
- Personal User Manual
- Psychological Safety Check (Amy Edmondson)
- RACI Matrix
- Role Clarity
- Social Needs Check (Based on David Rock / NeuroLeadership Institute (SCARF model))
- Stakeholder Map
- Team Charter
- Trust Factors Check (Based on David Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford (Trust Equation))
Relationships and systemic dynamics
Methods that reveal patterns in relationships, roles, and systems.
- Conflict Styles (Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann)
- Drama Triangle (Stephen Karpman)
- Inner Parts Mapping
- Order and Place
- Responsibility Pie
- Systemic Mapping
Whole-journey and specialised methods
Methods for framing the coaching relationship and for specific coaching approaches.
- Chakra Color Coaching
- Chakra Color Reflection
- CLEAR Coaching (Peter Hawkins)
- Coaching Contract
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