Introducing FOCUSED: A model for single-session solution focused coaching
Helen Williams and Stephen Palmer
Citation: Williams, H., & Palmer, S. (2025). Introducing FOCUSED: A model for single-session solution focused coaching. International Journal of Coaching Psychology, 6, 7, 1-6.
https://ijcp.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-6-2025/volume-6-article-7
Processing dates: Submitted: 11 July 2025; Accepted: 24 July 2025; Published: 21 August 2025
Volume 6, Article 7
Abstract
This article considers the alignment of the solution focused coaching (SFC) approach with the mode and mindset of single-session coaching (SSC) and offers the FOCUSED model for use in integrated single-session solution focused coaching (SS-SFC). It includes possible questions that can be asked at each stage of the model.
Keywords: FOCUSED, solution focused coaching, single session coaching, single-session solution focused coaching
Biographies
Helen Williams is a BPS chartered coaching psychologist and chartered psychologist (occupational), and an HCPC registered psychologist. Helen is an independent coaching psychologist and an associate consultant of the Centre for Coaching. Prior experience includes the roles of principal consultant, regional team manager and practice leader for management development and coaching at SHL (UK). She holds an AC Accredited Advanced Diploma in Coaching with the Centre for Coaching, and the accreditation certificate in single-session therapy (SST) with Windy Dryden (SDS Seminars). Helen has co-authored several coaching publications including Solution Focused Coaching in Practice (O’Connell, Palmer & Williams, 2013) and developed the CLARITY model for cognitive behavioural coaching with Stephen Palmer (Williams & Palmer, 2010, 2018, 2020) and the SOLUTION coaching model with Bill O’Connell and Stephen Palmer (Williams, O’Connell & Palmer, 2011).
Email: helen.williams@centreforcoaching.info
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5217-5812
Prof. Stephen Palmer PhD is President and Fellow of the International Society for Coaching Psychology, and Director of the Centre for Coaching and National Academy of Coaching Psychology. He is Executive Editor of the International Journal of Coaching Psychology. He has written/edited 60 books including Solution Focused Coaching in Practice (with O’Connell and Williams, 2013), and Handbook of Coaching Psychology (with Whybrow). His university posts include being Honorary Professor of Practice at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK, and Adjunct Professor of Coaching Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark. He is Co-ordinating Director of the ISCP International Centre for Coaching Psychology Research.
Email: stephen.palmer@centreforcoaching.info
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0108-6999