Coaching in nature is a fast-growing niche within the profession. In the last fifteen years since I first trained to become a coach, we have gone from no coach training programmes in this approach to more than just Earthself’s L1 NatureProcess Coach Training Programme in existence. This is a great thing. Nature’s inherent beauty and complexity inspires, rejuvenates, teaches and facilitates growth and healing in the clients we work with. 

However, beneath the surface of these seemingly positive practices, there lies an unexpected dark side. As Al Kennedy so eloquently put it: “There is a prevalent risk of coaches simple using 'nature' or the outdoors as a transactional resource or backdrop for industrial logic coaching.” This article explores this darker aspect, highlighting the implications for the coach, the person being coached, and Earth itself, while offering considerations to coach in nature in a way that honours and respects nature and Earth.

Recognise the Dark Side

In the book, Systemic Coaching: Delivering Value Beyond the Individual , Professor Peter Hawkins writes about asking the question, “What were the coaches doing while the banks were burning?” during a lecture after the banking crisis of 2008. In 2019, Zoe Cohen asked on LI, “Where were all the coaches when the planet warmed by three degrees? ” Reducing nature to a transactional resource or aesthetic backdrop when coaching is part of the ongoing crisis that currently exists within coaching where coaching serves a way of thinking that contradicts what it means to coach ethically.

Reducing nature to a transactional resource or aesthetic backdrop when coaching can strip nature of its intrinsic value and complexity, treating it as a commodity to enhance the coaching experience without a deeper engagement or respect for its ecological significance. Such practices not only undermine the potential for a truly transformative interaction between clients and nature but also contribute to a broader cultural narrative where nature is seen merely as an asset to be utilized.

Transactional use of nature in coaching fails to acknowledge or foster a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, which can lead to both the degradation of the environment and a missed opportunity for deeper human connection with the ecosystem, ultimately perpetuating unsustainable behaviours and attitudes toward the natural world.

The Impact of Nature as a Coaching Commodity

The exploitation paradigm with coaching in nature is manifested when natural settings are utilized without a sustainable or mindful approach. Coaches might choose picturesque locations for their sessions, retreats, or workshops without considering the ecological impact of repeated human activity in these areas. This can lead to several negative outcomes:

• For the Coach:

Burnout and Ethical Dilemmas: Coaches may face burnout from a disconnection with the true essence of nature, which they aim to channel. Over time, the repeated use of natural spaces without genuine respect can erode their professional ethics and personal well-being.

Reputation Risk: Utilizing natural spaces irresponsibly can tarnish a coach’s reputation, especially as awareness of environmental issues grows among the public.

• For the Client:

Superficial Outcomes: Clients may receive a diluted experience that lacks depth, with nature serving as a mere aesthetic enhancement rather than as a co-facilitator of the coaching process.

Misalignment of Values: Clients seeking genuine sustainable practices might find themselves misaligned with coaches who do not practice what they preach regarding environmental stewardship.

• For the Environment:

Degradation and Biodiversity Loss: Frequent human activity, especially in sensitive or previously undisturbed areas, can lead to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss.

Resource Drainage: The overuse of natural sites can lead to a depletion of local resources, including flora and fauna, water sources, and soil stability.

Some Ethical Considerations for Coaches to Partner with Nature

Transitioning from an exploitative model to a partnership with nature requires a fundamental shift in mindset and practice. Coaches and clients alike must embrace a more sustainable, respectful approach to integrating nature into the coaching process. Here are essential considerations to guide this transition:

• Practise Sustainability

Location Ethics: Select locations based on sustainability criteria, avoiding overused or ecologically sensitive areas.

Leave No Trace: This should be a standard practice to minimize environmental footprints.

• Deep Engagement with Nature

Mindful Interaction: Facilitate sessions that encourage deep, mindful interactions with nature, helping clients to see beyond its aesthetic value and know how to create psychological safety when coaching in nature (See Catherine Gorham 's handy guide on this)

Nature as Co-Facilitator: Acknowledge nature as a co-facilitator in the coaching process to enrich the coaching experience and foster a deeper connection and respect for the natural world. (See Lesley Roberts ' awesome book on coaching outdoors )

• Educational Component

Ecological Literacy: Incorporate ecological education into coaching programs to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote better stewardship practices among clients.

Promotion of Conservation: Actively promote and participate in conservation efforts, reinforcing the principles they teach.

• Core Values:

Alignment of Values: Clients should seek coaches whose environmental ethics align with their own, ensuring a cohesive and integrative coaching experience.

Transparency and Accountability: Coaches must be transparent about their practices and accountable for their environmental impact, setting an example for clients and the community.

Conclusion

The unexpected dark side of coaching in nature serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with accessing and utilising natural spaces. By adopting ethical practices, promoting sustainability, and viewing nature as a respected partner, coaches can mitigate the risks associated with coaching in nature. This approach not only protects natural environments but also enhances the authenticity and effectiveness of the coaching experience, leading to true growth and transformation for all involved.

So dear reader, How do you coach in nature?

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Earthself’s L1 NatureProcess Coach Training Programme is an ICF accredited training programme that’s designed to help you master the art of coaching with and as nature outdoors, indoors and online in a way that’s neuro inclusive while your investment helps develop a Scottish community food forest.

Next cohort starts Autumn, September 4th with further intakes every season. Get in touch if you like to explore if the programme is right for you…