ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the nature of Very Brief Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (VBCBC) by using working alliance theory that was first put forward by Ed Bordin. This expanded framework states that any helping approach can be located in four alliance domains – bonds, views, goals and tasks. A coaching bond refers to the interpersonal connectedness between the coach and the coachee. This points to the presence of the core coaching conditions (i.e. empathy, respect and genuineness) made famous by Rogers in the arena of counselling and psychotherapy, the interpersonal style that the two develop over the short time that while working with one another and the influence base that coaches use. The importance of making agreements with respect to the coaching contract, the number and spacing of coaching sessions, related practical matters such as fees, cancellation policy and confidentiality, as well as matters relating more specifically to cognitive behavioural theory and practice are also discussed.
