Pluralistic Perspectives on Coaching: A Conversation with Prof. Mick Cooper

Coaching Uncaged

Join podcast host Yannick Jacob for an insightful conversation with Mick Cooper, an internationally recognised authority in counselling and psychotherapy. In this episode, Mick delves into the pluralistic approach to therapy—a concept he co-developed with Professor John McLeod—and its relevance to both therapy and coaching. Yannick and Mick explore how pluralism, with its openness to multiple perspectives, provides a flexible and adaptable framework for practitioners.

Mick explains the parallels between therapy and coaching, highlighting the importance of collaboration and dialogue between practitioners and clients. He discusses how pluralism moves beyond rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches by embracing the complexity of human experience and individual preferences. The episode also touches on the ethical foundations of pluralism, the role of expertise in the practitioner-client relationship, and the balance between challenge and support.

This thought-provoking conversation extends to broader topics like social change, postmodernism, and existential philosophy, offering valuable insights for coaches, therapists, and anyone looking to create deeper, more meaningful client relationships. Don't miss this episode packed with practical advice and rich wisdom on incorporating pluralism into your practice!

About Mick Cooper

Mick Cooper is an internationally recognised author, trainer, and consultant in the field of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies. He is a Chartered Psychologist, and Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton. Mick has facilitated workshops and lectures around the world, including New Zealand, Lithuania, and Florida. Mick's books include Existential Therapies (2nd ed., Sage, 2017), Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2nd ed., Sage, 2018), and Integrating Counselling and Psychotherapy: Directionality, Synergy, and Social Change (Sage, 2019).

Mick’s principal areas of research have been in shared decision-making/personalising therapy, and counselling for young people in schools. In 2014, Mick received the Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association. He is a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Academy of Social Sciences. Mick’s latest book explores the contribution that counselling and psychotherapy theory and practice can make to wider social progress and justice: Psychology at the Heart of Social Change: Towards a Progressive Vision for Society (Bristol University, 2023).

Visit his website ( https://mick-cooper.squarespace.com/ ) for info about videos, workshops, talks and dialogues, blogs, and latest books.