Join Anna Sheather, Dr Nat Clegg, Elaine Patterson and Karyn Prentice in an engaging panel discussion as they delve into what creative coaching is and why it is on the rise. Through research and examples from their professional practice, they will explore why creativity matters and what it brings to the coach and coachee. Gain valuable insights, myth-busting views and inspiration from these four seasoned and passionate creative coaches.

Playfulness opens the door to somatic coaching and experiential learning and strengthens the capacity for both coach and client to be present in the moment. Embracing its potential may be a route to elevating our coaching practice, helping our clients to develop insights, creativity and the ability to move forward on a whole other level.

This session aims to open the door to greater awareness around playfulness in coaching for novice and experienced coaches, not least by exploring how playfulness can be much more than play.

Stephanie and Teresa will draw on a wide range of research and theory, as well as their own and others’ experiences, playing with what playfulness might look like in practice and helping us to recognize and tap into our own authentic playfulness. Some potential barriers and risks will also be considered, as well as plenty of reflection points and ideas for deepening connection to playfulness and understanding what steps to take to build more playfulness into our coaching practice.

As an example of how coaches and supervisors can use their own creative passions to benefit clients, David will explore his route to transferring cartooning from his private life into his work with clients.

Focusing on cartooning as a form of story-telling, David will discuss how cartooning, when used sensitively, can unearth essential but hidden emotional elements and highlight the broader contextual drivers of thinking, feelings, and behaviour. Research suggests that humour and playfulness have important roles to play in our well-being at work, and we can draw on this effect to enable clients to deepen their understanding, increase their self-awareness and build their capabilities. For example, laughter can provide a different lens through which to view challenging situations and can be a starting point for strengthening personal and team resilience.

Participants will have an opportunity to create a cartoon focusing on a matter of importance to them, and the session concludes with an open discussion to explore practical issues important to participants.

What does it take to be fully present in an environment of psychological safety, adapting spontaneously yet drawing on a wealth of experience? How can we work with clients in creative partnership, welcoming discovery and ‘dancing in the moment’?

Improvisation is about unscripted creativity, whether on stage, in a coaching session or the boardroom. It is about developing our self-awareness and skills to enable us to thrive in uncertainty and support others.

Improv theatre offers powerful principles and practical exercises for coach development and client learning, harnessing the potential of advanced and integrated practice to partner with clients and embrace the unknown.

This playful session explores the conceptual and practical connections between theatrical improvisation and coaching. It will incorporate exercises used by improvisers to develop their attention and presence and their skills in listening, trust-building, collaboration, and creativity.