chapter ONE
Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology
Psychology provides the primary theoretical underpinning to the theory and practice of coaching. The theories of humanistic psychology and Carl Rogers (1961) have formed the basis for many of the skills and assumptions used today in the coaching engagement. Coaching has also been significantly influenced by the psychological theories of Fritz Perls (Perls, Hefferline, & Goodman, 1994) and Gestalt therapy; Abraham Maslow’s work on self-actualization and peak experiences (1968); and Stanislav Grof (2000), Roberto Assagioli (2007), and transpersonal psychology.
