History

The Australian Psychological Society created the Interest Group Coaching Psychology (IGCP) at its Annual Meeting in August 2002. The first National Committee met in January 2003 and over the following years sponsored state forums, Professional Development workshops and presentations, various panels and International Congresses.

At its inception, the Interest Group in Coaching Psychology aimed to facilitate the theoretical, applied and professional development of Coaching Psychology as an emerging theoretical and applied sub-discipline of Psychology, Coaching Psychology, as an applied positive psychology, drawing on and developing established psychological approaches. It was best understood as the systematic application of behavioural science to the enhancement of life experience, work performance and wellbeing, for individuals, groups and organisations who did not have clinically significant mental health issues or abnormal levels of distress.

The Interest Group was originally and continues to be inclusive; independent of external organisational influences, promoting rigorous critical thought and the development of applied coaching skills, adhering to the highest levels of professional integrity and practice as reflected in the APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines.

In 2000 at the University of Sydney Professor Anthony Grant and Dr Michael J Cavanagh, formed the world's first university-based Coaching Psychology Unit, offering programs in Coaching Psychology.

From 2004 to 2010, the IGCP National Committee held a biennial coaching psychology symposium – that evolved to CPIG hosting two very successful International Congress of Coaching Psychology (ICCP) events, in Manly 2012 and the second in Melbourne 2014. 

The name change from IGPC to CPIG, was to emphasise the focus being Psychology, and the role of psychology in Coaching

2016

CPIG, did not hold a Congress in 2016, but contributed two Panel Symposiums in the APS 2016  50^th Anniversary Congress program, The key messages presented and explored in each symposium is outlined below. (Congress Abstracts)

“This forum will explore the unique contribution of coaching to leadership development, and how coaching might develop to meet the new and emerging needs of leaders, organisations and society into the future.  The role of systemic, developmental and multidisciplinary approaches to coaching will be considered. The implications for coach training, evidence-based practice, and the development of knowledge and research will be discussed.

 In an uncertain, ambiguous and volatile world, the role of professional change agents as expert bearers of proprietary knowledge is likely to diminish. Those involved in assisting others to meet complex challenges will need to be adept at collaboratively exploring novel problem landscapes, designing experimental interventions and assessing impact in an ongoing and iterative way.”

 “This forum will explore the unique contribution of coaching in enhancing health and wellbeing, leadership development, etc. in an age of complexity and rapid change; and how coaching psychology contributes to an understanding of what drives us to achieve in all these diverse areas. How exploring cognitions, emotions and behaviour through a different lens; ‘a coaching lens ‘, brings psychologist working across different domains into a space where a dialogue advancing the role of psychologist can thrive. In line with the Congress theme ‘Psychology United for the Future’, Psychologists, utilizing the skills, knowledge base and competencies that inform the process of coaching; are drawing on evidence from across a range of psychological domains; building a united professional future.

2017

In 2017 CPIG sought to expand the options it used to communicate, educate and collaborate with its members and the coaching community nationally and internationally.

Domestically the states hosted several great PD events, as they continue to do.

Internationally, we extended an invitation to coaches via the ICPR  …. We are excited about the prospect of working in partnership with other groups around the world and invite you to contact us to explore how we might establish:

•  Online forums for coaches with particular interests to exchange and debate ideas.
• forums for coaches who may not be academics, to find support and mentoring, to undertake research, or formulate their casework into material that could be published in the ICPR
• a data base of reviewed resources, accessible to BPS and APS members
• host international speakers in Australia for PD events

As a benchmark professional forum, the Interest Group is theoretically inclusive, independent of external organisational influences, promotes rigorous critical thought and the development of applied coaching skills, and adheres to the highest levels of professional integrity and practice as reflected in the APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines. 

Terms of Reference

1. To enhance the professional identity of Coaching Psychology within the Australian Psychological Society and to establish and maintain a linking mechanism for researchers and practitioners throughout Australia.
2. To provide a forum for discussion and peer contact, and for information sharing between Interest Group and other APS members.
3. To facilitate discussion around the definition and nature of coaching psychology.
4. To promote development of appropriate ethical standards and guidelines for the practice of coaching psychology.
5. To foster publications and research into Coaching Psychology.
6. To organise and promote continuing education for APS members.
7. To promote best practice professional development within the psychology profession for Coaching Psychology.
8. To provide expert advice to the Australian Psychological Society Limited on issues relating to the nature and practice of Coaching Psychology.