Outdoor coaching

Canessa-Pollard, V. (2026) Outdoor coaching. In: Handbook of Coaching Psychology. Wiley, pp. 1-17. (In Press)

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Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive examination of outdoor coaching as a psychologically grounded practice. It begins by establishing the theoretical underpinnings of human–nature interaction through the lenses of blue-green psychology, Wilson’s Biophilia Theory and Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory, demonstrating how natural environments support emotional, cognitive, and physiological wellbeing. The chapter then reviews the emerging empirical evidence base for outdoor coaching, including qualitative and quantitative studies that highlight its potential to enhance coaching outcomes such as wellbeing, goal attainment, and relational depth. Practical considerations are explored across three stages of coaching: pre-session planning and contracting, the dynamics of walking and reflecting in natural spaces, and post-session integration. A practitioner case study illustrates how these elements combine to support transformative outcomes. The chapter concludes by identifying future research directions and offering reflections on the potential of outdoor coaching as a method for integrating psychological insight with embodied, place-based experience.

Publication Type: Book Sections
Uncontrolled Keywords: coaching; coaching psychology; eco-therapy; coaching in nature
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV711 Coaching
Q Science > QH Natural history
Divisions: Research Entities > POWER Centre
Depositing User: Valentina Canessa-Pollard
Date Deposited: 28 Jul 2025 14:29
Last Modified: 28 Jul 2025 14:29
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8176

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