The Coaching Psychology Update

How can coaching psychologists bridge the gap between research and practice?
In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Dr Lizana Oberholzer explains why the Division created its Research Communities of Learning and how they are helping researchers and practitioners collaborate to strengthen evidence-based coaching psychology.
Drawing on feedback from members, Lizana explores the challenges many practitioners face when engaging with research, navigating ethics processes and developing research that supports Chartered Coaching Psychologist status. She outlines how the Division's strategy brings together experienced researchers, emerging researchers and practising coaching psychologists to share expertise, develop confidence and advance the profession together.
The episode also explores key research themes including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), climate-conscious coaching, neurodiversity, menopause, organisational coaching and long-term health conditions, while highlighting why curiosity, collaboration and evidence-informed practice are central to the future of coaching psychology.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why the Division established Research Communities of Learning
How practitioners and researchers can collaborate more effectively
The importance of evidence-based coaching psychology
Support available for research, ethics and professional development
Emerging research priorities across coaching psychology
How research contributes to Chartered Coaching Psychologist status and ongoing professional practice
Opportunities for members to become involved in research communities
Whether you're an experienced researcher, an emerging Coaching Psychologist, or a practitioner looking to strengthen your evidence-informed practice, this episode demonstrates how research and professional learning can work together to shape the future of Coaching Psychology.
If you'd like to join one of the Division's Research Communities of Learning, contribute to future research projects, or connect with fellow researchers and practitioners, the Division would love to hear from you.

What does it mean to become a Chartered Coaching Psychologist, and is the Professional Recognition Route (PRR) the right pathway for you?
In this episode of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Dr Shirley Large, Portfolio Advisor, and Alison Cole, Chief Assessor, explore the Professional Recognition Route (PRR) and explain how experienced, psychologically informed coaching practitioners can achieve Chartered Coaching Psychologist status through this Level 8 (doctoral-level) professional award.
Together, they discuss what chartership represents, why professional recognition matters, and how the PRR enables practitioners to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, behaviours and reflective practice expected of a Chartered Coaching Psychologist.
The conversation also provides practical guidance on developing a portfolio, the importance of supervision, the support available throughout the process, and how the Division is continuing to shape the future of coaching psychology.
In this episode, you'll discover:
* What it means to be a Chartered Coaching Psychologist
* Why the Professional Recognition Route was developed
* How the PRR differs from a training programme
* The purpose of the professional portfolio and Level 8 assessment
* The role of supervision, critical reflection and professional identity
* Workshops, Q&A sessions and support available to applicants
* The future of Chartered Coaching Psychology and the growing profession
Whether you're an experienced coaching practitioner, a psychologist considering chartership, or simply curious about the future of Coaching Psychology, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the profession's most respected pathways for professional recognition.
Find out more
Visit the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology pages to explore the Professional Recognition Route, eligibility requirements, upcoming Q&A sessions and additional guidance for prospective applicants.

Welcome to the official podcast of the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology.
In this introductory episode, Dr Lizana Oberholzer, Chair of the Division, shares the vision behind the newly refreshed podcast and explains how it will become a platform for members to share ideas, research, experiences and professional conversations from across the coaching psychology community.
Lizana also provides an overview of the Division's work, highlighting the initiatives, partnerships and opportunities available to members. From research communities and mentoring programmes to free CPD events, peer practice groups, international collaborations and climate-conscious coaching, this episode offers a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant and growing Coaching Psychology community.
In this episode:
The vision for the Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast
How the Division supports coaching psychologists throughout their careers
Research communities, mentoring and peer practice groups
Free CPD opportunities and professional development
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives
International partnerships and collaborative research
Publishing opportunities through the Division's journals
How members can shape the future of coaching psychology
Whether you're an established Coaching Psychologist, working towards Chartered status, a researcher, or considering joining the Division for the first time, this episode provides an excellent introduction to the opportunities, support and community available through the Division of Coaching Psychology.
If you'd like to become more involved, explore one of the Division's sub-committees, contribute to research, attend CPD events or connect with fellow members, we encourage you to get involved and help shape the future of coaching psychology.

Whether you're already a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or considering joining the Division of Coaching Psychology (DOCP), this episode explores the real value of membership and the practical benefits available to coaching psychologists at every stage of their career.
Natalie and Toye take you through eight key benefits of BPS and DOCP membership, from discounted professional indemnity insurance and tax relief to access to world-class journals, research resources and exclusive publishing discounts. They also highlight the vibrant professional community available through networking opportunities, peer practice groups and the Division's renowned CPD events.
You'll also discover the additional benefits exclusive to DOCP members, including access to The Coaching Psychologist and the International Coaching Psychology Review, professional learning conversations, journal clubs, workshops, annual conferences and support for independent research through ethics review and research methodology webinars.
Whether you're training, building your practice or working towards Chartered status, this episode explains how BPS and DOCP membership can support your professional development, expand your network and provide valuable resources throughout your coaching psychology career.
In this episode you'll discover:
The financial benefits of BPS membership

Professional indemnity insurance and tax relief

Access to leading psychology journals and research resources

Publishing discounts and academic support

Networking opportunities across the psychology profession

DOCP-exclusive CPD events and annual conference

Peer practice groups and coaching psychology podcasts

Research support and ethics guidance for practitioners

If you're thinking about joining the Division of Coaching Psychology - or simply want to make the most of your membership - this episode provides an excellent overview of what's available and why membership continues to be such a valuable investment in your professional development.

What does a truly inclusive future for coaching psychology look like?
In this opening episode of the reimagined Division of Coaching Psychology Podcast, Lizana Oberholzer is joined by Ify Nonyelu, Rosie Darbyshire and Cordet Smart for an insightful conversation exploring diversity, mentoring and the future of the profession.
Together, they discuss why representation matters, how different cultural perspectives can strengthen coaching psychology, and why understanding the whole person is essential to effective coaching. From identity and belonging to unconscious bias, intersectionality and professional development, the panel reflects on how diversity can enrich both practitioners and the communities they serve.
The conversation also introduces the Division's new mentoring initiative, designed to support aspiring and established coaching psychologists alike, creating opportunities to learn, connect and grow together.
Whether you're an experienced coaching psychologist, early in your career, or simply interested in the future of the profession, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on building a more inclusive, representative and psychologically informed coaching community.
In this episode, we explore:
Why diversity and representation matter in coaching psychology
The role of mentoring in professional growth and confidence
How culture, identity and lived experience shape coaching practice
The importance of recognising unconscious bias and embracing different perspectives
Why coaching psychology benefits from a wider range of voices
How you can become involved in the Division's mentoring initiative
If you'd like to become a mentor or mentee, visit the British Psychological Society Division of Coaching Psychology to find out more and register your interest.