Burnout and compassion fatigue in coaches: A case for coach-care

Abstract

This article discusses the empirical research presented at the 2023 BPS Coaching Psychology Conference: Integrating Research and Practice. Employing constructivist grounded theory (CGT), the research sought to address a gap in the literature (Charmaz, 2006, 2014). In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 diverse professional coaches to understand their personal experiences of burnout and/or compassion fatigue as a coach. The resulting theoretical model, termed the INRR Model™, seeks to explain the development of and recovery from these phenomena, proposing that they arise from a combination of factors, including the nature of the work, personality and/or coping style, and the broader environment. The coaching profession is inherently demanding, often exposing coaches to high levels of emotional intensity or emotional labour (Kemp, 2022). If left unchecked, this can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout (Brotheridge & Grandey, 2002; Rosefield, 2023). Increasingly, coaches are working with clients facing significant stress, complex challenges, and struggles to cope with role demands in their work and personal lives (Arloski, 2021), a trend exacerbated by the post-Covid-19 landscape. These findings underscore the critical need for compassionate self-care, or coach-care, to be prioritised by coaches, supervisors, training organisations, and accreditation bodies. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of these issues and develop effective support strategies.