Humanistic Approach and the Time to Think Model

The humanistic approach (sometimes called person-centered approach) is in some ways at the very heart of coaching. This approach embraces the belief that within all of us is a ‘self-righting reflex’. This links well to coaching, where we hold the perspective that our clients are creative, resourceful, and whole. It also relates well to the idea that if we can discover this aspect of ourselves, we can achieve any goal. The Time to Think model (Kline, More time to think, Cassell Publishers, 2009) applies these principles to coaching conversations, with a focus on the relationship, suggesting that the role of the coach is more often to get out of the way than to intervene with multiple questions, insights, or reflections.