ABSTRACT

This chapter explores emotional obstacles in coaching, when is it appropriate for coaches to deal with emotions, and the ABC model of emotional disturbance. As Neenan (2008) points out, it would be ludicrous to suggest that people need counselling or therapy as soon as they experience or display a negative emotion. Students often do feel anxious about tests, angry about work, or dejected about results. Nor are they immediately referred to the school counsellor. There are limits, however. Sadly, for some students negative emotions are more than mere 'obstacles'. Overwhelming stress, pathological anxiety, clinical depression, these things are known to affect a certain percentage of students. And for such issues counselling or therapy is certainly an appropriate (and perhaps necessary) intervention. However, distinguishing between everyday emotional obstacles on the one hand and mental health issues on the other is only part of the story.