In this episode we unpack contracting as a living, multi-layered practice rather than a one-time formality.

We explore three distinct levels of contracting:

• Administrative – The essentials: when and where sessions happen, confidentiality agreements, cancellation terms, fees, and note-taking.
• Professional – Clarifying goals, purpose, scope, and whether to involve other parties such as a line manager or HR.
• Psychological – The unspoken relational agreements, unconscious patterns, and “felt sense” of the coaching space.

Drawing on real-world examples, we show how unconscious dynamics - such as parent-child patterns - can affect the work, and why Always Be Contracting (ABC) is such a useful mantra. We discuss practical ways to keep contracts alive, including naming ruptures in the relationship and agreeing upfront how to address them.

We also delve into psychological distance between coach, coachee, and organisational stakeholders, using the concept of the three cornered contract from Julie Hay. Rarely an equal-sided triangle, the shape reflects engagement levels and potential for collusion.

We discuss multi-stakeholder contracting: bringing all key parties (coach, coachee, sponsor/HR) together at the start and ideally again mid-way and at the end, to align on purpose, roles, confidentiality, and progress.

If you’ve only seen contracting as a tick-box exercise, this episode might change your view, and your practice.

Resources:

Three levels of contracting

Contracting in team coaching

In this episode we discuss how clients can inadvertently keep themselves stuck by ignoring aspects of themselves, others or the situation. Discounting is a classic topic that emerges in coaching sessions.

We share how using Julie Hay’s “Steps to Success” model can help to shed a light on a client’s discounting beliefs and create more enabling ones. This approach is versatile in its application, but can be practically applied in-person through using physical cards on the floor and walking side-by-side with a client, helping them to embody each stage in the process.

We offer useful coaching tips focused on how, as a coach, we might tune into what clients are discounting, reflecting on one’s own biases as a coach, and fostering genuine partnership.

This is the article we reference - thanks to Spark for this. This includes the diagram for steps to success:

https://www.sparkcoachingandtraining.co.uk/blog/transactional-analysis-discount-store-of-coaching#:~:text=Remember%20that%20discounting%20is%20an,done%20something%20about%20this%20earlier.

This episode is a valuable listen for coaches looking to deepen their understanding of client resistance and strengthen their coaching conversations.

In this episode we explore how psychodynamic concepts like projection, shadow, and transference show up in coaching. These unconscious patterns can distort the coaching relationship, making reflective practice essential for staying present and effective.

We highlight the role of supervision in spotting these dynamics, supporting coaches normatively, formatively, and restoratively. Parallel process - when patterns in coaching mirror the client’s wider context - can offer powerful insights.

We share three practical tools to deepen self-awareness and strengthen client work.