Embedding practitioner skills in health psychology training: Development of a student-delivered health coaching service

Abstract

One of the key goals for health psychologists engaged in teaching and training is to enhance the practical skills and employability of trainees. This report outlines the development of a novel student-delivered health coaching service for university staff. Across four pieces of work (a literature review, focus groups, manager survey, and student training and assessment), a model for a health coaching service delivered by student volunteers under the supervision of trained health psychologists was developed and refined. The final service was well received by both the students, who provided the voluntary coaching, and the clients who were coached. It illustrates a feasible way to embed relevant practitioner skills in Stage 1 health psychology training, while also extending capacity to deliver potentially beneficial public health interventions.