About Whole Story Coaching:

What is Ontological Coaching*?

The word ontology means 'the nature and study of being.' In Ontological Coaching, we use three areas of ‘discovery’ in conversation to reveal your unique ‘Way of Being.’

  1. Language: Language is regarded as the fundamental human technology. Language is used to produce outcomes and generate realities. Ontological practice includes investigating speaking and listening skills as it relates to desired outcomes and realities.

  2. Body (non-verbal): It is said that our Way of Being is embodied. Ontological Coaching methodology includes:
    • How to use the body to get into more constructive and productive moods
    • How small shifts in body posture can generate a more positive outlook and produce more effective communication

  3. Emotions/Moods: Moods and emotions permeate everything we do. Ontological coaching methodology contains tools for recognizing, managing and shifting moods and emotions.

More distinctions include:

  • How to distinguish between moods and emotions
  • How to shift from negative moods to positive moods
  • How to use moods & emotions to build relationships and long-term collaboration
  • How to engage in constructive emotional leadership

This three dimensional approach to coaching provides:

  • A new understanding of the role of language in sustainable human change
  • The pivotal importance of body or somatic intelligence
  • A deeper practical understanding of emotional intelligence in human affairs, including business practice

Ontological Coaching goes beyond only looking at behavioral strategies. It goes to the heart of how people view themselves, and what is possible for them in life individually and collectively.

Learning about our being is ontological learning. Ontological Coaching provides an avenue for connecting the relevance of our being to everyday living, working and learning. In a world of accelerating change and increasing uncertainty, turbulence and confusion, questions about the quality of our individual existence and our co-existence can no longer be taken for granted. These questions encompass major existential issues of meaning, fulfillment, happiness and worthiness in our personal and professional lives. They touch on our deep concerns about relationships, and how to think, act and live together more productively and harmoniously. These are the issues of the human soul and this is the territory of Ontological Coaching.

* This information wholly or in part is taken from Alan Sieler’s book, Coaching to the Human Soul, Ontological Coaching and Deep Change, Newfield Australia, 2003