Citation: Geratz, C., Papworth, J., & Palmer, S. (2024). ‘Like walking with a friend’: A grounded theory exploring the tripartite relationship between coach, client and nature in outdoor coaching. Journal of Ecopsychology, 4, 3, 1-13. https://joe.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-4-2024/volume-4-article-3/

Aims: Outdoor coaching is a coaching delivery format that has been connected with mental and physical wellbeing, yet it has received limited attention in coaching psychology research. As a result, our understanding of the interconnected factors between the coach, client and the outdoor space is scattered. This study aims to bridge that gap by developing a holistic outdoor coaching model, centring around the coaching alliance in the outdoor space.

Methodology: Seven coaching pairs (a coach and their client) participated in this research, resulting in 14 semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed following a constructivist grounded theory approach in an iterative process that resulted in nineteen identified themes that appeared across all interviews.

Results: A dynamic outdoor coaching model is presented, highlighting the interconnectedness of the four key themes of trust, space, movement and freedom, both expressed and experienced by coaches and clients while they walk through the outdoor space. This multifaceted experience is created with and by nature, moving the coaching alliance beyond a dyadic process into a tripartite relationship between the coach, client and nature.

Discussion: Nature appears as an equal partner in the outdoor coaching alliance, which highlights the important role of nature in the successful working relationship between coach and client. Implications and limitations for safe, ethical and effective outdoor coaching practice are discussed.

Keywords: outdoor coaching, coaching in nature, coaching psychology, coaching alliance, grounded theory.

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