Reflections on compassionate coaching with a UK social enterprise

In this paper we describe and reflect upon a case study of pro bono (free of charge) coaching with a UK youth justice social enterprise (a business with social objectives). The paper integrates principles of coaching psychology with those of compassion, selfcompassion and well-being. We introduce a compassion-based framework for critically reflective practice in coaching and Work and Organizational Psychology. The coaching contract was built upon the concept of being equal thinking partners in co-created dialogue which involves ‘leaving egos outside’. We did six coaching sessions over a period of six months which enabled Karl to develop new learning and transfer this into his role and relationships at work. We include poetry and photography as examples of how coaching can enable clients reframe their experiences and gain new perspectives. The paper is relevant for readers who may be unfamiliar with skills and approaches in coaching psychology and are seeking to understand how these can be applied in their practice. It will also be of relevance to those who engage in coaching and are interested in exploring how compassion-based approaches might influence their coaching practice.