ABSTRACT
This chapter explores in more depth the relational coaching process. It introduces a number of perspectives from developmental and neuro-biological research that are helpful for reflecting on the micro dynamics and interactions of the coaching relationship and for considering their potential role in fostering collaboration and facilitating change. Current developmental and neurobiological research points to the crucial importance for change practitioners to understand the interface between what is termed the explicit verbal level of relating, the domain of the 'narrative', and the implicit, non-verbal, somatic embodied level of relating–how it feels to be with other person moment by moment. 'Affect regulation' has been the subject of much neurobiological research of the last decade. It refers to the capacity to be aware of, reflect on and make mature choices about expressing our emotions appropriately in the present with due regard to the impact this may have on others.
