Title : Coaching Psychology in Action: Navigating critical coaching moments in domestic abuse disclosures
Speakers: Rachel Gellet, Dawn Gosden, Dr Siobhain O’Riordan (UK)
Panel Chair: Prof Stephen Palmer
There is currently a gap in the coaching psychology guidance and literature around disclosures of domestic abuse within coaching sessions. This paper explores some of the mechanisms and practical steps for coaching psychologists, coaches and supervisors around disclosures of domestic abuse by clients, with particular attention being paid to improvements in contracting, signposting and ethical decision making around breaking confidentiality.
A range of topics will be discussed including developing ethical maturity through the use of ethical decision-making frameworks and ways in which a greater emphasis upon self-care through the supervision ‘resourcing function’ (Hawkins & Smith, 2006, 2013) can support coaches to do their best work with vulnerable clients. Recommendations for improvements to contracting and safeguarding processes will also be considered and the DISCLOSE© framework for practitioners responding to disclosures of domestic abuse in coaching will be outlined.
This paper will also offer reflections on how a change of focus in coaching psychology and coaching supervision practice should include supervision of supervision. Future practice, including a focus on training implications for coaching psychologists, coaches, supervisors and supervision of supervision are also presented.
The session will conclude with a Panel Discussion to further explore key themes relating to navigating critical coaching moments in domestic abuse disclosures.
References
Hawkins, P., & Smith, N. (2006). Coaching, Mentoring and Organizational Consultancy Supervision & Development. (1st ed.). Open University Press.
Hawkins, P., & Smith, N. (2013). Coaching, Mentoring and Organizational Consultancy
Supervision, Skills & Development. (2nd ed). Open University Press.
Recommended Reading
Gellett, R., Gosden, D., & O’Riordan, S. (2025). Equipping coaching psychologists, coaches and supervisors to navigate critical moments in domestic abuse disclosures. Coaching Psychology International, 18, 9, 1-14.