ABSTRACT

The question of what 'is' or how do we 'know' and experience the self is one that has long concerned philosophers, psychologists, social scientists, sociologists and more recently neuroscientists. Many perspectives have been put forward to attempt to describe the nature and functioning of the self. From a relational perspective, the experienced self can be seen as having both slower moving and more dynamic, rapidly changing aspects. This chapter describes the dimensions of thinking, feeling and taking action, and how they interact and mutually influence one another in the organism that is the person of the coach and coachee. Taking action is our ability to identify what we intend, our purpose, or what a particular situation requires from us. Familiar patterns can offer a sense of coherence and continuity, but can also become limiting or narrow repertoires that are not always going to be fit for purpose given the novel challenges, we and our clients face.