Applied Coaching Model

The Applied Coaching Model (ACM) was developed to increase therapist capacity and competence to implement coaching behaviours with clients. The ACM incorporates goal-directed action, observation, instruction and demonstration, active learner participation, self-reflection, feedback, and a commitment to planned action. The model emphasizes an equal partnership and collaboration between therapists and families.

All information in this section is under copyright © Debra Teitelbaum BScPT, MSc. All rights reserved.

ACM Training

This section provides a brief overview to the ACM. If you are interested in more information or ACM training, please contact Debra Teitelbaum at debra.teitelbaum@ahs.ca

Clinician Actions

Below is a checklist of the clinician actions included in the ACM. The clinician selects actions that are appropriate for each session.

Engage (build therapeutic relationship)

• Welcome family demonstrating curiosity, commitment, and compassion.
• Actively listen to family’s concerns, affirming and summarizing in a non-judgmental manner
• Set up roles and expectations of client-therapist relationship, respectfully and collaboratively
• If initial visit, explore history and context of child
• If follow-up visit, obtain child update and explore goal attainment
• Establish focus for the day with the emphasis on family’s concerns

Collaborate a SMART Goal

• Acknowledge the family’s existing knowledge, abilities, and strengths
• Ask what the family’s hopes and dreams are for their child
• Determine child’s motor level through family summary, observation of child and family and direct assessment
• Guide the family to convert their long-term hopes into short-term goals
• Articulate and formalize a SMART goal together. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Observe and Demonstrate

• Consider the context for learning something new
• Observe caregiver’s actions in order to support the development of new skills
• Provide information about the environmental setup
• Demonstrate specific activity to achieve the goal using reflective questions and clear instructions
• Confirm understanding of how the strategy helps achieve the goals

Practice and Feedback

• Encourage caregiver to imitate and practice activity, providing multiple opportunities.
• Encourage trial and error through reflective questioning
• Affirm family’s dedication, effort, and strengths
• Ask caregiver to reflect on their practice and identify concerns using active listening and reflective questions
• Supplement caregiver’s reflection with relevant feedback regarding their practice
• Repeat: Observe and Demonstrate, Practice and Feedback for each additional activity based on family capacity

Commit to Action

• Summarize SMART goal (caregiver reflection)
• Summarize session activities (reflection)
• Connect the activities with the predetermined SMART goal
• Offer options to support recall for home practice
• Confirm commitment to planned action
• Develop a plan for who, when, what, where, and how the activity/practice will occur
• Schedule next appointment (if necessary)