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Professional Articles

Here I publish a selection of specialist articles on all possible topics related to coaching and leadership development

Depth psychology

Depth psychology

(Analytical therapy according to Jung, psychodrama according to Moreno, transactional analysis according to Berne)

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy

(Multimodal behavioural therapy according to Lazarus, schema therapy according to Young, CBASP according to McCullough Jr.)

Humanistic Existentialist

Humanistic Existentialist

(client-centred conversation psychotherapy according to Rogers, Gestalt therapy according to Perls, NLP according to Bandler/Grinder)

Systemic approaches

Systemic approaches

(Communication therapy according to Watzlawick, systemic family therapy according to Satir)

Body-orientated forms of therapy

Body-orientated forms of therapy

(Progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen, resperatory therapy according to Middendorf)

Personality models

Personality models

(Personality Adaptations by Vann Joines /Ian Stewart, MBTI by Myers-Briggs, Big Five by Lewis Goldberg)

Depth Psychology

In the section on Depth Psychology I deal with the following methods:

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  • Analytical Psychology according to CG Jung

  • Psychodrama according to Moreno

  • Transaction analysis according to Eric Berne

Analytical Therapy according to CG Jung

Psychodrama

Transactional Analysis according to Eric Berne

Cognitive Behavioral Orientation

Mulitmodal Behavior Therapy according
to Lazarus

Multimodal behavioural therapy according to Arnold A. Lazarus is an integrative therapeutic approach that combines techniques and strategies from different therapeutic directions in order to respond to the individual needs of the client. The therapy was developed by Lazarus in the 1970s and is characterised by the following key features:

  • Multimodality: the therapy is multimodal, meaning that it incorporates different treatment modalities or elements of therapy. These may include cognitive, behavioural, emotional, physical and interpersonal aspects, all of which are incorporated into the treatment.

  • Customisation: Therapy is tailored to the individual client. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, therapy goals and intervention strategies are tailored to the client's specific needs, personality traits and goals.

  • Holistic approach: Lazarus emphasises the importance of looking at the person as a whole. He believes that emotional, cognitive, physical and social factors are intertwined and should therefore be taken into account in therapy.

  • Active approach: Multimodal behavioural therapy is an active form of therapy. Clients are encouraged to actively participate in the therapy by reflecting on their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and actively seeking change.

  • Flexible application: The therapy can be flexibly adapted according to the client's needs and progress during the therapeutic process. This enables continuous adaptation of the intervention strategies in order to achieve the best possible treatment success.

  • Short-term therapy: Multimodal behavioural therapy is generally a short-term therapy that aims to achieve rapid improvements and reach specific goals within a limited time frame.

 

 

Use of the methods for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

  1. Individual adaptation: By individually adapting the development goals and intervention strategies, multimodal behavioural therapy can be tailored precisely to the needs and goals of the manager or coachee. This enables targeted and customised support in overcoming specific challenges and problems in the professional context.

  2. Holistic approach: Multimodal Behavioural Therapy takes into account different aspects of the individual, including cognitive, emotional, social and physical factors. This holistic approach makes it possible to better understand the complexity of leadership development and to address different levels of development.

  3. Flexibility and integration: Multimodal behavioural therapy enables the integration of different therapeutic techniques and approaches. This can be beneficial for coaching and leadership development, as different problems and challenges often require a multifaceted approach. The integration of cognitive, emotional and behavioural strategies can lead to more comprehensive and effective development.

  4. Short-term therapy: Multimodal behavioural therapy is usually a short-term therapy. This can be an advantage for managers and coachees, as they are often under time pressure and want to achieve improvements quickly. Efficient and effective therapy can lead to concrete progress and change more quickly.

  5. Active approach: Multimodal behavioural therapy is an active form of therapy that requires the involvement and active cooperation of the manager or coachee. This enables a deeper understanding of one's own thought and behaviour patterns as well as the possibilities for personal development.

  6. Solution-oriented focus: Multimodal behavioural therapy focuses on identifying problems and developing concrete solutions. This solution-orientated approach can be particularly helpful for coaching and leadership development, as it promotes the development of concrete action plans and the implementation of changes.

 

 

 

 

Schema Therapy according to Young

Schema Therapy was developed by Dr Jeffrey E. Young and is a form of psychotherapeutic work based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, Gestalt therapy and object relations theory. It was developed specifically for people with severe mental disorders and personality disorders, who often have deeply rooted psychological patterns or "schemata".

 

The most important features of Young's schema therapy are

 

Schemata: Schemata are emotional and cognitive patterns that develop in early childhood and remain stable throughout life. They influence a person's perception, thinking, emotions and behaviour.

Schema modes: Schema modes are different states or parts of a person that are activated by certain schemas and emotions. These modes can resemble adult self-states or vulnerable child states.

Basic needs: Schema therapy views the fulfilment of basic needs as crucial to psychological well-being. These include the needs for security, attachment, autonomy, self-esteem and spontaneity.

Parent-child mode: The therapy aims to recognise and work on the parent-child mode that shapes the way people treat themselves and others. It is about developing 'healthy' parenting functions to fulfil the needs of the vulnerable inner child.

Procedure: In schema therapy, various techniques and procedures are used to identify, understand and change dysfunctional schemas. These include imagination exercises, dialogues between different modes and cognitive restructuring.

Relationship level: The therapeutic relationship plays a central role in schema therapy. The therapist acts as an emotional parent figure to support the client's wounded inner child and promote a secure attachment.

Life history work: Therapy often involves examining and working through the childhood experiences that contributed to the development of the dysfunctional schemata.

Long-term approach: Schema therapy is often a long-term form of therapy, as the aim is to change deeply rooted patterns and improve mental health in the long term.

 

Benefits of the methods for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

Self-reflection and self-knowledge: Schema therapy enables coachees and executives to dive deep into their personal schemas and understand them. This promotes self-reflection and self-awareness, as they can recognise how their early experiences influence their thought and behaviour patterns.

Dealing with dysfunctional patterns: Schema therapy supports coachees and managers in identifying and overcoming dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaviour that could present obstacles in the world of work. They learn to develop healthier coping strategies and adopt more productive behaviours.

Promoting resilience: By working on stressful patterns, coaching clients and managers can strengthen their resilience to professional challenges and stressors. This helps them to deal better with difficult situations and recover more quickly.

Increasing empathy and interpersonal skills: Schema therapy promotes an understanding of one's own emotional needs and the needs of others. This enables coachees and managers to improve their empathy and interpersonal skills, which can have a positive impact on their relationships with employees and colleagues.

Discovering and utilising strengths: Schema therapy helps to recognise inner resources and strengths and to use these in a targeted manner in professional contexts. Coachees and managers can better utilise their potential and achieve their professional goals more effectively.

Promoting a healthy leadership culture: Managers who are aware of their own schemas and work on them can promote a positive leadership culture. They become more sensitive to the needs of their employees and can create a corporate culture based on trust, openness and personal development.

Conflict resolution and decision-making: Schema therapy can help to better understand and manage conflict in the workplace. Managers can learn to optimise their decision-making processes and take their actions on the basis of a balanced assessment of the situation.

Long-term personal development: Schema therapy is often a long-term therapeutic intervention. In a coaching context, this can mean that coachees continuously work on their personal development and achieve sustainable improvements in their professional lives.

CBASP (Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy) according to James P. McCullough Jr.

CBASP stands for "Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy". It is a specific form of therapy that was primarily developed for the treatment of chronic depression. CBASP therapy was developed by James P. McCullough Jr. and aims to use the interactions between patients and therapists to dissolve emotional blockages and maladaptive (rather harmful, poorly adapted) thought patterns

.

The most important features of CBASP therapy are

  • Focus on interpersonal problems: CBASP focuses strongly on the patient's interpersonal relationships. It assumes that early traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, can lead to patterns of interaction that perpetuate depressive symptoms.

  • Here-and-now orientation: The therapy places great emphasis on how the interactions between therapist and patient take place in the here and now. The therapeutic relationship serves as a tool to understand and change current interpersonal problems and behavioural patterns.

  • Focus on behavioural analysis: In CBASP, specific events or interactions that occur between therapist and patient are analysed in detail. The aim is to uncover maladaptive behavioural patterns and thoughts of the patient and to work on them together.

  • Role clarity: The roles of therapist and patient are clearly defined. The therapist takes an active role in analysing the interpersonal dynamics and guides the patient to develop alternative behaviours and thought patterns.

  • "Situational analyses": A central concept in CBASP is "situational analyses". This is a structured approach in which specific interpersonal events and their effects on the patient's thoughts, emotions and behaviour are examined.

  • Transference and countertransference: Therapy uses transference (the way the patient unconsciously transfers their relational experiences to the therapist) and countertransference (the way the therapist responds to these transfers) as important tools for recognising and working through the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.

  • Stage system: CBASP often works with a stage system that defines different phases of treatment. These phases serve to establish the therapeutic relationship, uncover maladaptive patterns and develop alternative courses of action.

  • Homework and self-observation: Patients are often encouraged to carry out self-observation tasks outside of therapy sessions and to practise new behavioural patterns in order to promote the transfer of what they have learned into everyday life.

 

Benefits of the methods for my work as a coach and executive trainer:

 

Although CBASP was originally developed for the treatment of chronic depression, some of the principles and techniques are also useful in areas of coaching and leadership development.

 

  1. Interpersonal sensitivity: The emphasis on interpersonal relationships and analysing patterns of behaviour and thinking can help leaders become more aware of their own interactions and their impact on their teams and employees. This can help to reduce conflict and build more productive working relationships.

  2. Self-reflection: Focussing on the interactions between coach or manager and employees can lead to increased self-reflection. This enables coaching clients or managers to better understand and optimise their own thought patterns, behaviours and effects on others.

  3. Emotional intelligence: CBASP promotes an understanding of the emotional dynamics in interpersonal relationships. Managers and coaches can use this concept to improve their emotional intelligence and achieve better communication and relationship work.

  4. Self-reflection: Focussing on the interactions between coach or manager and employees can lead to increased self-reflection. This enables coaching clients or managers to better understand and optimise their own thought patterns, behaviours and effects on others.

  5. Behavioural transformation: Analysing behavioural patterns and introducing alternative action strategies can help leaders and coaching clients to identify and change unproductive behaviours in order to achieve more effective results.

  6. Self-management: CBASP's self-observation practices can be used in coaching sessions to help clients better recognise and manage their own behaviours and thought patterns. Managers can use these techniques to enhance their leadership skills.

  7. Relationship development: CBASP emphasises the therapeutic relationship. In a coaching context, this can help to build a trusting and supportive relationship between coach and client. In leadership development, a greater emphasis on relationship work can lead to a more positive working environment.

 

Humanistic-existentialist approaches

In the section Humanistic-Existentialist Approaches I deal with the following methods:

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  • Client-centered Psychotherapy according to Rogers

  • Gestalt Therapy according to Perls

  • NLP according to Bandler/Grinder

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Client-Centered Psychotherapy according to Rogers

CBASP stands for "Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy". It is a specific form of therapy that was primarily developed for the treatment of chronic depression. CBASP therapy was developed by James P. McCullough Jr. and aims to dissolve emotional blockages and maladaptive (rather harmful, maladjusted) thought patterns through the interaction between patient and therapist

.

The most important features of CBASP therapy are

Focus on interpersonal problems: CBASP focuses strongly on the patient's interpersonal relationships. It assumes that early traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, can lead to patterns of interaction that perpetuate depressive symptoms.

Here-and-now orientation: In therapy, great importance is attached to how the interactions between therapist and patient take place in the here and now. The therapeutic relationship serves as a tool for understanding and changing current interpersonal problems and behavioural patterns.

Focus on behavioural analysis: In CBASP, specific events or interactions between therapist and patient are analysed in detail. The aim is to uncover maladaptive behavioural patterns and thoughts of the patient and to work on these together.

Role clarity: The roles of therapist and patient are clearly defined. The therapist takes an active role in analysing the interpersonal dynamics and guides the patient to develop alternative behaviours and thought patterns.

"Situation analyses": A central concept in CBASP is the "situation analysis". This is a structured approach that examines specific interpersonal events and their impact on the patient's thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Transference and countertransference: Therapy uses transference (the way the patient unconsciously transfers their relational experiences to the therapist) and countertransference (the way the therapist responds to these transfers) as important tools for recognising and working through the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.

Stage system: CBASP often works with a stage system that defines different phases of treatment. These phases serve to build the therapeutic relationship, uncover maladaptive patterns and develop alternative courses of action.

Homework and self-observation: Patients are often encouraged to complete self-observation tasks outside the therapy sessions and to practise new behaviours in order to promote the transfer of what they have learned into everyday life.

 

Benefits of the method for my work as a coach and leadership trainer:

 

Although CBASP was originally developed for the treatment of chronic depression, some of the principles and techniques are also useful in the areas of coaching and leadership development.

 

Interpersonal sensitivity: The focus on interpersonal relationships and analysing patterns of behaviour and thinking can help leaders become more aware of their own interactions and how they affect their teams and employees. This can help to reduce conflict and build more productive working relationships.

Self-reflection: Focussing on the interactions between coach or manager and employees can lead to increased self-reflection. This enables coaching clients or managers to better understand and optimise their own thought patterns, behaviours and impact on others.

Emotional intelligence: CBASP promotes an understanding of the emotional dynamics in interpersonal relationships. Managers and coaches can use this concept to improve their emotional intelligence and achieve better communication and relationship work.

Gestalt Therapy according to Perls

The most important features of Gestalt therapy according to Fritz Perls:

 

  • Focus on the here and now: In Gestalt therapy, the focus is on current experience and perception in the here and now. It is about being aware of what is happening in your own experience at this moment.

  • Emphasis on self-responsibility: Gestalt therapy encourages the client to take responsibility for their own behaviour, feelings and actions. By taking responsibility for one's own life, one can make more conscious decisions and bring about positive change.

  • Emphasis on experience and emotions: Gestalt therapy emphasises the importance of emotional experience. Emotions are seen as important signposts that can tell us something about our needs and our unconscious.

  • Emphasising holism: In Gestalt therapy, people are seen as holistic beings in which body, mind and soul are interconnected. The therapy aims to promote the integration of all aspects of the personality.

  • Working with the "here and now" of the relationship: The therapist and client work together in the "here and now" of the therapeutic relationship. This means that attention is focussed on what is happening between the therapist and client at the moment in order to recognise and work on current patterns and dynamics.

  • Creative expression: Gestalt therapy uses creative techniques such as role play, imagination exercises, dream work, creative design or expressing feelings through movement and bodywork to help the client understand themselves better and find new ways forward.

  • Emphasis on awareness: Gestalt therapy is aimed at expanding awareness and looking at oneself honestly and without judgement. This enables the client to get in touch with their needs, feelings and desires.

 

 

Use of the methods for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

 

 

  1. Deeper understanding of their own personality: Gestalt therapy enables clients to understand themselves better by focusing on their current experience, their emotions and their behavioural patterns in the here and now. This increased self-awareness enables coachees and managers to recognise their strengths and weaknesses and improve their professional performance.

  2. Effective conflict resolution: Working with emotions and interpersonal relationships in Gestalt therapy can help coachees to better understand and appropriately manage conflict in the workplace. They learn to regulate their own emotions and respond more empathetically to the feelings of others, which can lead to improved team dynamics.

  3. Promoting self-responsibility: Gestalt therapy encourages coachees and managers to take responsibility for their own behaviour, decisions and growth. As a result, they become more proactive and work purposefully towards their goals and those of their teams.

  4. Strengthening emotional intelligence: Gestalt therapy attaches great importance to working with emotions. By learning to recognise, accept and deal with their feelings appropriately, coachees can improve their emotional intelligence. This enables them to deal better with pressure and stress at work and to resolve conflicts productively.

  5. Promoting creativity and innovation: The creative methods of Gestalt therapy can help coachees to gain new perspectives, develop innovative solutions and find creative approaches to challenges.

  6. Development of authentic leadership behaviour: Gestalt therapy promotes self-reflection and authenticity. Managers who use Gestalt methods can make their leadership role more authentic by becoming more aware of their values, beliefs and behaviours and consciously incorporating these into their work.

  7. Holistic development: Gestalt therapy views people as a whole and integrates body, mind and soul. As a result, coaching and leadership development can be made more comprehensive by including personal and interpersonal aspects that have an impact on professional performance.

 

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) according to Bandler / Grinder

NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) is a collection of techniques and principles aimed at understanding and changing human communication, behaviour and thought processes.

 

The most important features of NLP are

 

Subjective experience: NLP emphasises individual perception and interpretation of the world. It is about understanding how people subjectively perceive their experiences and reality and derive actions from this.

Modelling: A fundamental principle of NLP is the ability to analyse and model the successful behaviour of others. By identifying the thought processes and behavioural patterns of successful people, these techniques can be transferred to others to achieve similar results.

Communication: NLP examines language and non-verbal communication to identify patterns and structures that affect people's behaviour and responses. Effective communication is at the centre of NLP.

Flexibility: NLP emphasises the importance of flexibility in thinking and behaviour. It is about finding new possibilities and solutions by trying out and adapting different approaches.

Change techniques: NLP offers various techniques to bring about changes in thinking and behaviour. These include, for example, the anchor technique, reframing, visualisation and changing beliefs.

Goal-orientation: NLP encourages you to set clear goals and work towards them. It is important to know what you want to achieve in order to take the appropriate steps.

Unconscious processes: NLP assumes that many of our patterns of thought and behaviour are anchored in the unconscious. By becoming aware of these patterns and changing them, positive changes can be achieved.

 

 

Benefits of the methods for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

 

Effective communication: NLP helps managers and coaches to improve their communication skills. By understanding language and non-verbal signals, they can better respond to the needs and concerns of their employees or clients.

Goal-orientation: NLP promotes the setting of clear goals and helps to break these goals down into concrete steps. Managers can thus better motivate their teams and employees can pursue their personal goals more effectively.

Conflict management: NLP offers techniques for recognising, understanding and resolving conflicts. Coaches can help managers to manage conflict within their teams and create a positive working environment.

Self-reflection: NLP promotes self-reflection and awareness of one's own thought and behaviour patterns. This enables managers to better assess their own strengths and weaknesses and work specifically on their personal development.

Change management: NLP techniques support the initiation and successful implementation of change. Managers can better manage change processes and accompany their employees through these processes.

Empathy and relationship management: NLP promotes an understanding of other people's perspectives and supports the development of positive relationships. Coaches can support managers in establishing an empathetic leadership culture and building good relationships with their employees.

Emotional intelligence: NLP can help to strengthen emotional intelligence by improving the way we deal with our own emotions and those of others. Managers and coaches can thus promote an emotionally intelligent working environment.

Motivation and performance enhancement: By using NLP techniques, managers can better motivate their employees and improve their performance. Coaches can develop personalised motivational strategies to support their clients.

Personality Models

Personality Adaptations according to Vann Joines / Ian Stewart

Original sources of the model:

Developed by Paul Ware and Taibi Kahler.

They both worked independently but eventually combined their ideas.

Basic assumptions of the model:

There are six basic personality adaptations - everyone has some combination of these.

Every person has at least one survival adaptation and one performance adaptation.

Knowing the personality adaptations can help in coaching by establishing rapport, targeting interventions, and avoiding getting stuck in the coachee's defenses.

Response to everyday stress

Each adaptation has a specific behavior pattern when feeling stressed or "not okay."

Each adaptation has a strong connection to one or a combination of drivers (be pleasing, be strong, try hard, be perfect, hurry up).

Therefore, drivers can be used to diagnose a person's personality adaptation.

Overview of personality aspects:

Enthusiastic Overreactor Enthusiastic Overreactor (histrionic)

Responsible Workaholic Responsible Workaholic (obsessive-compulsive)

Playful Resistor Playful Resistor (passive-aggressive)

Brilliant Skeptic Brilliant Skeptic (paranoid)

Creative Daydreamer Creative Daydreamer (schizoid)

Charming Manipulator Charming Manipulator (antisocial)

Personality aspects in detail:

Enthusiastic Overreactor (histrionic)

Enthusiastic and fun - life of the party.

They enjoy pleasing and helping others.

They enjoy being the center of attention and like large groups.

They dress appealingly - they put effort into their appearance.

Driver: be pleasing (try hard or hurry up)

Areas of difficulty:

They were raised with the focus on keeping those around them happy and learned to ignore their thinking and anger.

Can emotionally overreact and confuse feelings with reality.

They can be dramatic and flirtatious, to their own detriment.

Overly dependent on others.

Response to threat: Their overreacting feelings accelerate further.

Responsible Workaholic (obsessive-compulsive)

Responsible, dutiful, and reliable - pillars of society.

Make their work their life and are usually successful.

Perfectionists.

They always look neat and well-groomed.

They prefer interacting with 1 or 2 people rather than large groups.

Driver: be perfect (be strong)

Areas of difficulty:

Parental emphasis on performance.

They have very high expectations of themselves and others but cannot enjoy what they have achieved.

They do not allow themselves to be playful or relax.

They are anxious when not constantly doing something - this hinders being with others.

Response to threat: become "super responsible" and take care of everything.

Playful Resistor (passive-aggressive)

They have a lot of playful energy and want to have fun.

They are very good at noticing what is wrong in a situation and are usually the first to point it out.

They often dress a bit sloppy.

They enjoy dealing with large groups but are not the ones to initiate contact.

Driver: try hard (be strong)

Areas of difficulty:

Were often overcontrolled as children or had competing parents or siblings.

Resists any instruction - even if it is helpful.

They often make things more difficult than they need to be.

Often passive in problem-solving - tend to sulk.

They do not directly express their needs.

They often confuse "arguing" with intimacy.

Response to threat: complain, whine, and fight.

Brilliant Skeptic (paranoid)

They are the clearest, sharpest thinkers. Very bright, sensitive, and insightful.

They want to ensure they do things "right" to avoid embarrassment.

Usually rather conservative and impeccably dressed.

They like being in charge.

They prefer a relationship with one or two people.

Driver: be perfect and be strong

Areas of difficulty:

Inconsistent and unpredictable upbringing.

Fear of making a fool of themselves if they let go and relax.

They can misperceive stimuli and pretend their perception is reality.

Unrealistic expectations of themselves and others - they take a reproachful stance.

Mistrustful of others' motives. Closeness feels dangerous.

Response to threat: intellectual attack.

Creative Daydreamer (schizoid)

Highly sensitive individuals who are friendly and caring towards others.

Creative and deep thinkers.

They may appear aloof but are actually just "shy" or overly sensitive.

They prefer personal relationships where they can go deep.

Driver: be strong (be pleasing, try hard)

Areas of difficulty:

Insufficient parental closeness - the child learned to make few or no demands.

They are trapped in daydreams and do not put their thoughts into action.

Being unaffected is equated with being good, so they see their vulnerability as bad.

They can remain quiet and detached, which their peers often find difficult.

They withdraw when stressed.

Response to threat: withdrawal.

Charming Manipulator (antisocial)

Charming and charismatic.

Wonderful prompters.

They start new projects.

Often create myths or ideologies in society that people follow.

They love action and excitement - joie de vivre.

They dress to impress, seduce, or shock.

Driver: be strong or be pleasing

Areas of difficulty:

Competing parental experience. Parents often put their own needs first, leading them to conclude that "everyone is their own best friend."

They often manipulate and exploit others - they always want to be one step ahead.

They often seduce and then abandon others before they can be abandoned themselves.

Replace intimacy with drama and excitement.

Response to threat: exploiting the situation.

With which two personality adaptations do you identify most? You can already learn a lot about yourself from this.

(MBTI)
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test that focuses on how people perceive the world and make decisions.

It was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers and is based on the theories of Carl Gustav Jung.

The MBTI classifies people according to four dichotomous personality dimensions, with each dimension having two possible characteristics. Here are the four dimensions and their respective characteristics:

 

Energy Orientation:

Extraversion (E): People who are extraverted draw their energy from interacting with the outside world. They are often sociable, talkative and enjoy being in groups.

Introversion (I): Introverts draw their energy from the inner world of thoughts, feelings and ideas. They often prefer solitary activities or small groups and need time alone to relax.

Information intake:

Sensing (S): Sensing types rely on concrete, actual information that they take in through their senses. They are detail-orientated and focus on the here and now.

Intuition (N): Intuitive types look beyond the obvious and focus on patterns, possibilities and future potential.

Decision-making:

Thinking (T): Thinking types make decisions based on logic and objective analyses. They assess situations and people impartially and look for justice and fairness.

Feeling (F): Feeling types make decisions based on personal values and how decisions will affect others. They are often empathetic and consider the feelings of others.

Lifestyle and interaction with the outside world:

Judging (J): Judging types favour structure, planning and clarity. They like to make decisions and put plans into action.

Perceiving (P): Perceiving types are flexible, spontaneous and open to change. They prefer to keep options open and are often adaptable.

 

The combination of these four dimensions results in 16 possible personality types (e.g. ISTJ, ENFP, INTJ, etc.). It is important to note that no one type is better or worse than another; each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The MBTI serves as a tool for self-reflection and for improving understanding of others.

 

 

Benefits of the MBTI for my work as a coach and executive trainer:

 

Self-understanding and self-awareness: By understanding their own MBTI type, individuals can better recognise their strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. This knowledge can help them to be more effective in their role and identify their areas for development.

Improving communication: Understanding the different personality types can help to break down communication barriers. Managers can learn to adapt their communication styles to interact better with different types of employees.

Team dynamics and collaboration: The MBTI can help to understand the dynamics within a team and how different types work best together. This can reduce conflict and increase team productivity.

Leadership development: Leaders can use the MBTI to reflect on and adapt their leadership style. They can learn how to effectively motivate and lead different team members based on their personality types.

Career development and counselling: In coaching, I use the MBTI to help coachees identify career paths that best suit their personality type.

Change management: Understanding the different personality types can help leaders manage change more effectively by recognising how different types respond to change and what support they need.

Stress management: By understanding how different types react under stress, managers and coaches can develop strategies to help employees deal with stress.

Developing training programmes: I use the MBTI to develop bespoke training programmes tailored to the needs of different personality types.

Promoting diversity and inclusion: An understanding and appreciation of different personality types can contribute to a more inclusive work environment where differences are valued and utilised.

 

The MBTI is a valuable tool for maximising the potential of individuals and teams.
 

Big Five
by Lewis Goldberg

The "Big Five" personality traits, also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM), were not developed by Lewis Goldberg alone, but he did make early publications on it. The model is based on trait theory and is one of the most widely used and recognised classifications of personality traits.

 

The five main dimensions are:

Openness to experience (Openness): This trait describes the extent to which a person is open to new experiences, ideas and creative processes. People with high scores in this area are often curious, imaginative and unconventional.

Conscientiousness (Conscientiousness): People who score high in this area tend to be organised, reliable and responsible. They plan ahead and are often very goal-orientated.

Extraversion (Extraversion): This trait refers to how sociable and talkative a person is. Extraverted people are often energetic, sociable and enjoy being the centre of attention.

Agreeableness: People with high scores in this area tend to be compassionate, co-operative and trustworthy. They have a strong need to live in harmony with others and avoid conflict.

Neuroticism (Neuroticism): This characteristic describes a person's emotional stability. People with high neuroticism scores are more likely to experience negative emotions such as fear, anger or sadness and are more susceptible to stress.

It is important to note that these characteristics represent continua and are not categorised. This means that each person lies somewhere on a scale from low to high in each of these five traits.

 

Use of the "Big Five" personality traits for my work as a coach and leadership trainer:

 

Self-awareness and self-reflection: by understanding their own personality traits, coachees can better recognise their strengths and weaknesses. This promotes self-reflection and helps them to work more purposefully on their personal and professional development.

Targeted coaching: As a coach, I use the five-factor model to develop customised strategies and interventions that are tailored to the client's specific personality traits.

Team composition and dynamics: Understanding the personality traits of team members can help in the composition of teams to ensure a balanced mix of skills and personalities. It can also help to recognise potential conflicts and develop strategies for effective teamwork.

Communication: An understanding of the Big Five can help leaders adapt their communication styles to better deal with different personality types and communicate more effectively.

Motivation and engagement: By understanding individual personality traits, managers can better recognise what motivates their employees and how best to encourage and support them.

Career development: Understanding one's personality traits can help individuals make career decisions that fit their strengths, interests and values.

Stress management: Recognising tendencies towards neuroticism can help to develop individual stress management strategies and prevent burnout.

Systemic Approaches

In the section Systemic Approaches I deal with the following methods:

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Communication therapy according to Watzlawick

Paul Watzlawick was an Austrian-American communication scientist and psychotherapist who is known for his theories on communication and systemic therapy. The most important characteristics and principles of communication therapy according to Watzlawick are

 

The inevitability of communication: Watzlawick argued that it is impossible not to communicate. Even if you remain silent or do not behave, you are still sending a message.

Content and relationship: All communication has a content (what is said) and a relationship (how it is said and how it is meant in terms of the relationship between sender and receiver).

Punctuation of event sequences: The way a person interprets a series of events can influence cause and effect. For example, an argument about who started it first can lead to a circular pattern of accusations.

Digital and analogue communication: Watzlawick distinguished between digital communication (verbal language) and analogue communication (non-verbal signals such as body language). Both are important and can send different messages.

Symmetrical and complementary interaction: In symmetrical relationships, the participants compete with each other, while in complementary relationships one person complements the other (e.g. dominance and subordination).

Solution-focused approach: Instead of focussing on the problem, therapy according to Watzlawick concentrates on the solution. This means that the therapist works with the patient to find new ways of dealing with problems rather than focusing on analysing the problem.

Short-term therapy: Watzlawickian therapy is often short-term and aims to achieve quick changes and solutions.

Systemic approach: Watzlawick did not view individuals in isolation, but as part of a larger system (e.g. family, workplace). Problems are often seen as the result of dysfunctional systems or communication patterns.

Changing communication patterns: One of the main aims of therapy is to recognise and change dysfunctional communication patterns.

Paradoxical intervention: This is a technique in which the therapist asks the patient to continue the unwanted behaviour in order to make the patient aware of the absurdity or dysfunctionality of the behaviour.

 

Benefits of the method for my work as a coach and executive trainer:

 

Improved communication skills: Leaders will learn to communicate more effectively, both verbally and non-verbally. They become aware of the importance of content and relationship in their communication and can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.

Better understanding of relationship structures: By understanding symmetrical and complementary interactions, managers can better manage and shape their relationships with employees, colleagues and other stakeholders.

Solution-orientated approach: Managers learn to focus on solutions rather than problems. This encourages a proactive and positive approach to challenges.

Systemic thinking: Managers recognise that they are part of a larger system and that their actions have an impact on other parts of the system. This encourages a holistic view and helps leaders to better understand the impact of their decisions.

Self-reflection: Through coaching, managers can critically question their own communication patterns and behaviour and change them if necessary.

Effective conflict management: With a better understanding of communication, managers can recognise conflicts before they escalate and develop effective conflict resolution strategies.

Promoting teamwork: A better understanding of communication and relationships can help to create a stronger and more co-operative team environment.

Paradoxical interventions: In coaching, I use this technique to encourage coachees to reflect on stuck behaviours and thought patterns and gain new perspectives.

Personal development: Through coaching, managers can better recognise their own strengths and weaknesses and work on their personal and professional development.

Systemic Family Therapy according to Satir

Virginia Satir's systemic family therapy is an important approach in family therapy. Virginia Satir was one of the pioneers of family therapy and developed a unique approach that focuses on strengthening self-esteem and improving communication within the family. Here are some of the key features of her therapy:

 

View of people: Satir believed that all people are basically good and have the potential for positive change. She emphasised the inherent ability of each individual to heal themselves.

Communication: A central element of Satir's approach is the improvement of communication between family members. She identified different communication styles (blaming, placating, rationalising, deflecting and clarifying) and worked to guide the family towards a clarifying communication style.

Self-esteem: Satir believed that many family problems stemmed from low self-esteem among family members. She worked to strengthen the self-esteem of each individual.

Family reconstruction: An important part of her therapy was "family reconstruction", in which clients explore their families of origin and childhood experiences in order to identify and change behavioural patterns and beliefs.

Bodywork: Satir also integrated bodywork into her therapy to release emotional blockages and improve self-awareness.

Coping stances: She identified four basic attitudes with which people react to stress: Accusing, placating, rationalising and distracting. The aim was to help people recognise these patterns and find a more authentic and direct communication style.

Systemic approach: Satir viewed the family as a system in which all members are interconnected. Changes in one member can affect the whole system.

Future orientation: While therapy explores the past in order to recognise patterns and beliefs, it is primarily future-oriented and aimed at bringing about positive change.

Humanistic approach: Satir's therapy is deeply humanistic and emphasises the dignity, worth and potential of each individual.

Creativity: Satir was known for her creative interventions and used a variety of techniques to help families overcome their problems.

 

Benefits of the method for my work as a coach and leadership trainer:

 

Improved communication: Satir's techniques can help coachees improve their communication skills, especially in stressful or conflictual situations. This can lead to more effective teamwork and better relationships with employees, colleagues and superiors and/or also to better relationships within their own family system

Self-confidence and self-esteem: By working on self-esteem and self-awareness, coachees can develop a stronger self-image, leading to greater self-confidence and decision-making skills.

Understanding system dynamics: Understanding systemic relationships can help coachees better understand and more effectively navigate the dynamics within their team or family.

Coping with stress and conflict: The techniques developed by Satir can help coachees deal better with stress and find constructive solutions to conflict.

Personal development: The introspective elements of Satir's approach can help coachees to identify and overcome personal blocks and limiting beliefs.

Creativity and problem solving: Satir's creative interventions can offer coachees new perspectives and approaches to problem solving.

Team dynamics: An understanding of systemic relationships can help leaders to better understand and influence the dynamics within their team to create a more harmonious and productive working environment.

Authenticity: Working on authentic communication and self-expression can help leaders to be more authentic and transparent in their leadership role, which can foster trust and loyalty among their employees.

Future-orientation: Satir's future-orientated approach can help coachees to focus on positive change and development rather than getting caught up in current problems or past mistakes.

Body-Oriented Therapies

In the section Body-Oriented Therapies I deal with the following approaches:

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Progressive Muscle Relaxation according to Jacobsen

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) according to Edmund Jacobson is a relaxation technique that aims to reduce muscle tension and promote a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

The method is based on the principle that physical relaxation also leads to mental relaxation. Here are the most important features of PMR:

 

  • Tensing and relaxing muscle groups: In PMR, certain muscle groups are specifically tensed and then relaxed again. This helps to develop an awareness of the difference between tension and relaxation in the muscles.

  • Systematic sequence: The muscle groups are worked in a specific order, usually starting with the feet and progressing to the head.

  • Short-term tension: Each muscle group is tensed for a short period (5-7 seconds) and then relaxed for 20-30 seconds.

  • Focus on the sensation: During the exercise, the person concentrates on the sensation of tension and then on the sensation of relaxation. This promotes awareness of physical sensations.

  • Regular practice: As with most relaxation techniques, regular practice is the key to success. Over time, the exercises can be adapted to different situations.

  • Use in stressful situations: Once you have learnt the technique, you can use it in stressful situations to relax quickly

 

Progressive muscle relaxation is an effective method for reducing stress and anxiety and can also be used for sleep disorders, headaches and other stress-related complaints.

 

 

Benefits of the method for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

 

 

  1. Stress management: Coachees are often exposed to high levels of pressure and stress. By using PMR, they can learn to reduce physical and mental tension, which leads to better stress management.

  2. Improved decision-making: A relaxed state of mind can promote clarity of thought and thus improve decision-making.

  3. Increased self-awareness: By consciously tensing and relaxing muscle groups, coachees can develop better body awareness. This can lead to improved self-awareness and self-regulation.

  4. Emotional intelligence: The ability to relax and reduce stress can help to better manage emotional reactions. This is particularly important for managers who often have to act in emotionally charged situations.

  5. Promoting resilience: Regular relaxation exercises can increase resilience to stressful situations and thus strengthen the general resilience of coachees.

  6. Improving communication: A relaxed state can help to listen better and communicate more effectively, which is crucial for managers.

  7. Work-life balance: PMR can help coachees to find a balance between professional demands and personal well-being, leading to a better work-life balance.

  8. Personal development in coaching: In coaching, PMR can help to release blockages and put the coachee in a state of openness and receptivity to new perspectives and solutions.

  9. Promotion of general well-being: Regular relaxation exercises can increase general well-being, which can lead to greater satisfaction and productivity at work.

 

Respiratory Therapy according to Middendorf

Respiratory Therapy according to Middendorf, also known as "The Perceptible Breath", was developed by Ilse Middendorf in the 1960s. It is based on the idea that the breath flows of its own accord and should not be consciously controlled.

The therapy aims to experience and promote the natural flow of breath in order to release physical and mental blockages.

Here are the most important features and principles of breathing therapy according to Middendorf:

 

  • Non-intervention: In contrast to other breathing techniques in which the breath is actively controlled or manipulated, Middendorf breathing therapy is about allowing the breath to flow on its own.

  • Perception: A central element of the therapy is the conscious perception of one's own breath. By feeling the breath in different areas of the body, blockages can be recognized and released.

  • Holistic approach: The therapy considers the person as a whole and takes into account physical, emotional and mental aspects.

  • Movement: The flow of breath is stimulated and supported through certain movement exercises. These exercises are often very gentle and aim to relax the body and deepen the breath.

  • Self-regulation: The therapy promotes the body's self-regulation. This means that the body itself decides how deep or shallow it breathes without human intervention.

  • Integration into everyday life: The principles and exercises of breathing therapy according to Middendorf can be easily integrated into everyday life to reduce stress and promote general well-being.

  • Individualized care: Every person is unique and therefore the therapy is tailored to the individual's needs and capabilities.

  • Therapeutic application: Middendorf breathing therapy can be used to support various complaints and illnesses, e.g. respiratory diseases, stress, anxiety or sleep disorders.

 

In summary, Middendorf breathing therapy is a gentle and holistic method that aims to promote the natural flow of breath and restore physical and mental balance.

 

 

Benefits of the method for my work as a coach and management trainer:

 

 

 

 

  1. Self-awareness and self-reflection: Through conscious awareness of their own breath, managers and coachees can develop a better understanding of their own body and emotions. This can help them to better recognize and reflect on their own behaviour patterns and reactions.

  2. Stress management: Managers are often under a lot of pressure and stress. Breathing therapy can help to reduce stress, relax and keep a clear head.

  3. Emotional intelligence: By consciously feeling the breath, emotions can be better perceived and regulated. This can help managers to be more empathetic and effective in their communication with employees and colleagues.

  4. Decision making: A calm and clear mind can help leaders and coachees make better and more considered decisions. Breath therapy can help to achieve a state of inner calm and clarity.

  5. Presence and authenticity: Through breath therapy, coachees can learn to be present in the moment and act authentically instead of running on autopilot.

  6. Energy and vitality: A free and natural flow of breath can increase energy and vitality, which is particularly important to meet the demands of day-to-day leadership.

  7. Personal development: Breath therapy can serve as a tool for the personal development and growth of coachees by helping to release blockages and unleash one's potential.

  8. Communication: Conscious breathing can also improve communication skills as it helps to think and express oneself more clearly.

 

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