Cognitive Behavioural Coaching: A Guide to Problem Solving

In this review of Cognitive Behavioural Coaching: A Guide to Problem Solving and Personal Development, the bottom line is straightforward: this book is a practical, psychologically informed manual for anyone who wants to change unhelpful thinking patterns and develop effective problem-solving habits. Written in an accessible style derived from cognitive behaviour therapy, it is best for self-directed readers, coaches and practitioners who want step-by-step guidance on tackling procrastination, managing emotions and building resilience. The single biggest reason to buy is its clear translation of therapeutic techniques into daily coaching tools that can be applied immediately.

Key Features

• Evidence-based approach: The book adapts cognitive behaviour therapy methods into coaching practices that help reframe self-defeating thoughts.
• Practical problem solving: It offers concrete methods for overcoming procrastination and poor time management with actionable steps.
• Emotion management: Readers get advice on dealing with troublesome emotions so they can respond rather than react in difficult situations.
• Assertiveness and risk taking: The text provides strategies for becoming assertive, handling criticism constructively and taking better-informed risks.
• Resilience and persistence: There is a focus on developing persistence and resilience through changes in thinking and goal-directed behaviours.
• User-friendly presentation: Written as a guide, it translates clinical ideas into coaching language suited to non-specialists.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at people who want a self-help manual grounded in cognitive theory: life coaches, counsellors, students of psychology and motivated individuals seeking techniques to improve decision making and emotional control. It works well as a reference to return to when specific problems such as procrastination or time management arise.

Those looking for a purely academic text, an exhaustive clinical textbook, or a workbook full of exercises only may want to supplement this guide with other resources; it prioritises clear coaching application over long theoretical exposition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, practical advice that adapts cognitive behaviour therapy for everyday coaching use.
• Useful coverage of common life challenges such as procrastination, assertiveness and resilience.
• Concise problem-solving orientation that makes it easy to apply concepts to real goals.

Cons

• Not a deep academic treatise, so readers seeking dense theory may find it introductory rather than comprehensive.

Specifications

Title	Cognitive Behavioural Coaching: A Guide to Problem Solving and Personal Development
Authors	Michael Neenan, Windy Dryden
Edition note	Third edition (originally titled Life Coaching: A Cognitive Behavioural Approach)
Focus areas	Problem solving, emotions, procrastination, assertiveness, resilience
Approach	Derived from cognitive behaviour therapy adapted for coaching
Use case	Self-help, coaching reference, practitioner guide

Our Verdict

Cognitive Behavioural Coaching is a practical, well-focused guide that translates CBT ideas into coaching strategies for everyday use. It suits coaches, practitioners and motivated readers looking for usable techniques to manage emotions, overcome procrastination and strengthen decision making, offering solid value through clear guidance rather than dense theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book based on therapy or coaching?
The book adapts cognitive behaviour therapy methods specifically for coaching contexts, emphasising practical problem solving and personal development.

Who will benefit most from reading it?
Life coaches, counsellors, students of applied psychology and self-directed readers seeking techniques to tackle procrastination, time management and emotional control will gain most.

Does it include exercises to practice the methods?
It offers practical advice and applied methods suited to coaching use; readers seeking extensive workbook-style exercises may want supplementary materials.