Sometimes, the magic lies in slowing down, taking a closer look at our patterns, and asking ourselves the big questions:

Why do I do that? What’s holding me back? What do I really want?

That’s where coaching steps in. But not all coaching is created equal.

With over 100,000 coach practitioners worldwide and growing rapidly (2023 ICF Global Coaching Study), the coaching landscape is more diverse than ever — spanning a wide range of backgrounds, approaches, areas of expertise, and levels of accreditation. It also creates a challenge for organisations and leaders – selecting the right coach and method to truly drive growth and unlock potential can feel overwhelming.

That’s why at Peoplewise, our world-class executive coaches are also qualified business psychologists — elevating the standard of coaching by bringing deep expertise, strong ethical foundations, genuine curiosity, and a passion for unlocking human potential. When grounded in psychological expertise, coaching becomes not just about goal setting or performance metrics, but about transforming mindsets, reshaping behaviours, and building sustainable growth.

A great coach is your thinking partner, accountability ally, and belief challenger. And when that coach understands the human mind? They don’t just help you “do more” — they help you be more.

The Psychology Edge: Why It Matters at Peoplewise

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” — Carl Jung

So, what exactly does a background in psychology add to the coaching experience?

1. Deep Insight into Human Behaviour

Psychologist-coaches are trained to understand unconscious patterns, emotional triggers, and cognitive distortions. They help surface and reshape core beliefs — like the fear of being seen as inadequate, or the compulsion to please others — which often sit beneath surface-level challenges like poor delegation.

2. Mindset shifts that last

True change begins with mindset – the lens through which we perceive and interpret the world. Psychology-informed coaches use techniques rooted in cognitive-behavioural theory to help clients reframe unhelpful thoughts, break mental roadblocks, and develop healthier, more resilient perspectives. A leader might say, “I want to speak up more in stakeholder meetings,” and a traditional coach might help them with assertiveness tips. A coach with a psychology background will also ask, What story are you telling yourself about speaking up? Where does that come from? These questions can spark a major mindset shift.

3. Evidence-Based Approaches

Psychology-trained coaches don’t rely on generic frameworks or trendy techniques. Instead, they draw on robust research and validated tools — such as 360° feedback and psychometric assessments — to deliver data-driven insights and tailored development strategies. When appropriate, these tools can provide a powerful foundation for meaningful and lasting development. Depending on the individual’s goals and context, our coaches at Peoplewise may include an evidence-based 360° or psychometric assessment to enhance self-awareness and support growth — although in other cases, coaching may progress just as effectively without them as each coaching programme is unique. (Explore our range of high-quality talent tools here).

4. Strengthening Core Leadership Skills for a VUCA World

In high-pressure roles, emotional regulation, resilience, independent thinking, and effective problem-solving are essential — yet often taken for granted. In reality, many leaders haven’t had the space or support to develop these skills fully. Coaching with a psychologist-coach offers a safe, reflective environment to do just that. Using proven tools and strategies, leaders learn how to stay grounded, think clearly under pressure, and recover quickly from setbacks — all essential for thriving in today’s VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world (Board, 2024).

5. Ethical, Client-Centred Practice

With professional ethics deeply embedded in their training, psychologist-coaches prioritise client autonomy, confidentiality, and psychological safety. This creates a coaching relationship built on deep trust, transparency and transformational potential.

The STAR Coaching Framework: Turning Insight into Action

At Peoplewise, the STAR coaching model (Strategic Alternative Realities) was developed specifically to leverage psychological insight for behaviour change. STAR provides a structured, research-backed framework for reflection, growth, and lasting behavioural change. It empowers clients to challenge limiting narratives, generate new possibilities, and take meaningful, aligned action. STAR coaching goes beyond “how-to” strategies — it builds new ways of seeing and being.

Why Now? Coaching in a Time of Stress and Complexity

Stress and burnout are surging, especially among leaders. According to recent research, 71% of leaders report increased stress, and 40% have considered stepping away from leadership roles altogether (DDI Global Leadership Forecast 2025). Many organisations are reaching a tipping point — risking the loss of key leaders just when consistent, resilient leadership is most needed. The leadership pipeline is under growing strain (For more, read our blog on Succession Planning here).

That’s why it’s more important than ever to equip leaders with the support, tools, and headspace they need to lead effectively and sustainably. The stakes are high — and coaching must evolve to meet the challenge.

Psychology-informed coaching can help your leaders:

• Cultivate emotional resilience to stay grounded and focused in uncertain times
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to unlock leadership potential and drive success
• Equip leaders with strategies to strengthen resilience, agility, and future-readiness
• Enable leaders to elevate their leadership level and ignite accountability and high performance across their teams
• Provide a safe, objective space for leaders transitioning into new roles with dedicated support aligned to their development needs
• Empower leaders to discover their core values and purpose and align them with future career opportunities
• Build increased confidence and amplify impact and credibility in both new and existing relationships

The Final Word: Coaching for the Whole You

Coaching that integrates psychological expertise isn’t just about climbing the ladder faster — it’s about climbing the right ladder, with clarity, confidence, and calm.

So here’s your invitation: get curious about yourself, embrace the messiness of growth, and work with someone who gets the whole picture—inside and out.

Because real success isn’t just about achieving more. It’s about reaching your full potential by becoming more you.

To find out more about coaching, get in touch with us at letushelp@peoplewise.co.uk. We look forward to speaking with you!