In this first episode of our podcast series, Psychology in Coaching, host Lucy Whitehall talks with psychologist and coach Dr Hayley Lewis about how psychology shapes coaching practice. Hayley's journey runs from occupational psychology and organisational development at the BBC to executive coaching. She shares how her sketch-note summaries aim to make psychology accessible to the public, and how one of them ended up in Adam Grant's book, Think Again, after she mistook his publisher's emails for phishing. Her story opens a wider conversation about impostor feelings, and why self-doubt can signal that we are learning or stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Lucy and Hayley explore how coaches can draw on psychological knowledge without needing to be psychologists, and why curiosity, humility and attention to individual context matter when applying theory and research. Hayley reflects openly on supervision and the coach's use of self as an instrument, including how it helped her recognise her own rescuing tendencies. They also discuss coach wellbeing, adapting how explicitly psychology is used with clients, and psychological safety as the ability to face discomfort while preserving the relationship.
The conversation closes with an important note of caution. Hayley explains that psychological concepts used without suitable training and supervision can harm clients, and why she is learning about somatic coaching but does not yet feel ready to use it in her practice. This is a thoughtful listen for any coach who wants to use psychology well and responsibly.
You will learn
· Impostor feelings can signal learning. Self-doubt often appears when we are in unfamiliar situations, which makes it a cue for growth rather than evidence of inadequacy.
· Know yourself to coach well. Reflective practice and supervision help coaches spot personal patterns, such as the urge to rescue, before they shape the coaching room.
· Curiosity and humility will help you become a self-aware and a student of psychological theory in your practice
"I think a really good understanding, not surface understanding, a really good dive into an understanding and learning of key psychological theories and concepts can be really helpful in coaching."
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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:
https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-psychology-in-coaching-theory-practice-ethics
